Diabetes is a disease that causes high levels of sugars in the blood as the result of an inadequate supply of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Affecting 6 percent of the American population, diabetes causes complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage, vascular impairment, amputation and blindness. Diabetes can also cause a condition called ketoacidosis, a symptom easily mistaken for alcohol intoxication, according to Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Diabetes Basics
Diabetes presents in two forms: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body's own immune system to attack the pancreatic cells, destroying their insulin-producing capacity. This form of diabetes is treated with daily insulin injections and a proper diet, which monitors carbohydrate, or sugar, consumption. Type II diabetes, also called adult onset diabetes, occurs when the body is no longer capable of using insulin properly or insulin is inadequately produced. Type II diabetes is treated with medications such as insulin and other drugs, exercise, and a diet that limits carbohydrate consumption, reports Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Diabetic Symptoms
Constant urination is a common symptom, as your body attempts to rid itself of excess sugar in the blood by excreting the sugar through the urine. Excessive urination leads to pronounced thirst and weight loss. Swinging between too much and too little sugar in the blood causes nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hyperventilation, according to Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Ketoacidosis Description
Diabetes prevents the cells of the body from using glucose, or sugar, to produce energy. The body, which needs energy to function, begins to break down fat to produce energy. Fat breakdown produces an excessive amount of ketones in the blood and urine---a condition called ketoacidosis. High-ketone concentration in the blood gives the breath a fruity, alcoholic smell, which is why ketoacidosis is easily mistaken for drunkenness, reports MedlinePlus
Ketoacidosis Warning Signs
Warning signs of ketoacidosis include dizziness, staggered walk, fruity or alcoholic breath, palor, rapid breathing, vomiting, stomach pain, dry skin, excessive thirst and urination, confusion, and coma. If ketoacidosis is suspected, immediate medical assistance is required, according to MedlinePlus.
Ketoacidosis Treatment
The first goal of treatment is to administer insulin to lower the blood glucose level. Electrolytes and fluids are given to replace those lost during excessive urination and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Prognosis
Ketoacidosis can lead to severe illness and death. Early stages can be treated at home with insulin injections. Severe ketoacidosis requires immediate hospitalization, because ketones are poisonous to the body. Complications include brain swelling, kidney failure and heart attack, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
