Diabetes mellitus, refers to the abnormal handling of sugar by the body which leads to elevated sugar levels in the blood. Every year 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed. Diabetes is caused by lack of insulin production or by a generalized resistance to insulin. Low potassium, is a problem in diabetes because potassium is lost from the kidneys as a result of frequent urination.
Excessive Urination
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is a common symptom of diabetes. The kidney is responsible for removing excess sugar in the body. When sugar is not excessive in the blood, almost all of it is reabsorbed in the kidneys. The kidneys have limited ability to absorb sugar; as long as sugar is within normal limits in the blood, it is completely reabsorbed the kidney. In excess, sugar attracts water into the blood, thereby increasing fluid delivery to the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for regulating water in the body; when larger volumes of fluid are arriving to the kidney, it is perceived as excess and therefore excreted.
Acidification of Blood
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a condition commonly seen with Type I diabetes. It is caused by lack of insulin production which forces the body to seek alternative sources of energy. Fats and proteins can be used as sources of energy when sugars are not available to the cells due to lack of insulin production. The breakdown of fats, lead to the production of ketones which acidify blood. The body does not function properly when blood is too acidic; ketoacidosis is associated with confusion, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness.
Low Potassium
Hypokalemia, or low potassium, may also occur in diabetes. For insulin to drive glucose into the cells, it needs potassium. Insulin and decrease the concentration of potassium in the blood. In diabetes, there is also increased loss of potassium in the urine because of the frequent urination. Symptoms of low potassium include muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythm.
