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Symptoms of ketoacidosis

In a person with insulin-dependent diabetes, symptoms of a stomach disease, i.e. vomiting and nausea, must be considered signs of ketoacidosis, until otherwise proven.

To begin with, the symptoms of ketoacidosis are similar to the general symptoms of hyperglycaemia:

  • Increased urination

  • Incresed thirst

  • Dehydration

  • Tiredness

If you use SGLT2 inhibitors in addition to insulin therapy, your blood sugar may not become that high regardless of the insulin deficiency. It may be within the 10–12 mmol/l range, for instance.

As the situation progresses, common symptoms include:

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pains

  • Vomiting

  • Deteriorating general condition

As the ketoacidosis progresses, the symptoms may include:

  • Sleepiness

  • Confusion

  • Panting, rapid breathing

  • The smell of acetone in the breath

  • Disruptions of the blood salt levels

  • Dropping blood pressure

  • Reduced level of consciousness

Updated 30.9.2023