Pathophysiology

Increased blood glucose

Absolute lack of insulin level: more than 250
mg/dL

Transport of glucose to
Fat breakdown (lipolysis)
cells
Protein breakdown as source of fuel for cells
is impossible
for fuelling cells

Release of ketones as by-

Decreased glucose levels Transport impossible; product
inside the cell glucose stays in the
bloodstream

Increased ketones in the

Cell hunger/ (-) ATP inside
cells
blood
Cell hunger/ (-) ATP
inside cells
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

Stimulation of
hypothalamus (hunger
center) Acetone breath
Lungs compensate
through increasing
exhalation of CO2 Kidney corrects
More breakdown of metabolic acidosis
carbohydrates into
glucose
Kussmaul’s respiration –
deep, rapid breathing
Ketonuria - Increased
excretion of ketones in
No insulin to transport the urine
glucose into cells; increase
serum glucose level