My gf of 16 years passed from diabetes and today I woke up in tears missing her and and wanting to know more about dka after finding her and your video and the comments helped a lot thanks
Your videos are very informative and understandable. You project your videos very well. You are a God sent to people, like me, who had no clue about diabetes . Until I was in the ICU for four days.And your videos are amazing like you. Thank you ❤
Thank goodness you survived. My nephew Ben died of DKA in December 2017. His T1 was not diagnosed in spite of presenting to A&E just a day before his death. Ben was 18. His DKA was diagnosed as a panic attack and he was sent home where he suffered a cardiac arrest. We have a trust set up to help prevent this happening to anyone else Make That Change Trust is where you will find us. Too many people die from DKA needlessly. Ben's blood sugar was just 11.7.
Wow, I am so saddened and sorry to hear this news. This is why we must spread awareness of T1D and DKA. I will check out your trust. Thanks for sharing your story, and once again, I am sorry for your loss :(
This happens far too often. I wish there was more awareness of the symptoms and existence of Type 1 among doctors. This happened to someone in my family too. Went to the er, never tested for Type 1 even though he had all the classic symptoms, sent home with the "flu" and went into DKA and almost died. He did live. So very very very sorry for your loss.
I had DKA and it went into respiratory acidosis where I couldn't stop hyperventilating. Before they caught the DKA, they tried to say I had anxiety. I think your nephew had the same thing. So sorry he was misdiagnosed and suffered the consequences.
Geez at 234, scary stuff. If you are uncontrolled, I recommend you to listen to Dr. Bernstein in TH-cam. He changed my life. I was generally in range HbA1c of mid to low 6. My last HbA1c was 7.8 and that was my awakening call. Following his advice my glucose is stable at around 90 all day. Wish you the best, and stay healthy.
my mom just went into dka last night she’s never gone through this before so here i am doing research while she’s in the hospital , her blood sugar went all the way up to 700 and she was unresponsive it was so horrible to see her like that i’m still so worried about her 💔 this is no joke and needs to be spread for more awareness!
I was in ICU 18 days from DKA, in a coma for 3 days with failed kidneys and Cerebral Edema, I believe my blood sugar was 56 mmol/L. Basically I went to sleep and never woke up, I was found in a diabetic DKA coma, I never knew I was diabetic, all I had was a massive thirst on the day before the incident. I was lucky not to have died as the doctors told me I was close to death a few times as they tried to save me in the initial first hours. DKA is serious...!
@@markdavy9774 Hi Mark, your story sounds alot like what my husband is going through now. I'm so glad you made it through and I am praying for the same outcome for him.
The beginning of this year I went into DKA... I was in the ICU for 4 days... it was honestly so horrifying. I had 3 IVs at the same time, many blood tests and a lot of pain and worrying.... hands down the scariest thing I've ever gone through
@@daddygomez6700 I hate it, I just recently went into dka again (insurance sucks) and I had a hole in my stomach from the acid and my heart nearly failed…. It’s so scary but I’m glad your ok now!!!
I have been in DKA twice. The first time I ended up in ICU for 5 days and the second time for 1 week. I had been vomiting for 12 hours prior to going to ER and my BSL were off the charts. My glucometer just said "HI". Upon checking my manual, I learned that meant over 35!!. By the time I got there, I couldn't stand and was severely dehydrated..so much so that my IV was given in my neck because my veins were not cooperating. I didn't realize how bad if shape I was in until the doctors explained how serious it was. It was very scary for me...I have 2 young children and the thought of this disease taking me away from them breaks my heart. Take care everyone 💙
I just got out of hospital after being admitted with DKA. The doctor came round this morning and gave me the wake up call i needed. It’s comforting to know that someone else experienced this because I always feel like the only one with this problem
Hi! I'm a new type 1 diabetic. I got diagnosed last week when I went into DKA. I know its very scary but thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you are ok😊
Thank you! Same here... I don't think I will ever completely understand why it happened without the presence of high blood sugar. T1D is so confusing haha
it really is ... I've been all over the place today and it's probably from all the emotions (went to a funeral today and switched between laughing/smiling aka happy memories and crying non stop) but still it was crazy... guess we all have those crazy days ^^
DKA arises when cells are undersupplied with glucose compared to their energy needs; that kicks off anaerobic energy production which generates ketones. Glucose gets into cells through pathways mediated by a few different proteins; the four of importance here are GLUT1 (glucose transporter #1) through GLUT4. GLUT1 is low-volume and handles basic needs of cells (respiration) for their survival, but it does not handle greater demand levels. GLUT2 is low-volume but low-delay, and it is bi-directional. It is used by liver cells which must either take up glucose to produce glycogen for storage or break glycogen down to release glucose and which also release glucose built from scratch (gluconeogenesis) into the bloodstream. Pancreas cells use it to measure serum glucose; for this, the intracellular glucose level must be the same as in the serum, requiring two-way transport. Oh, and the kidney's tubular cells use this GLUT2, too -- that is how they excrete glucose or take it back up from the filtration stage. GLUT3 is the one that supplies neurons. It works even with low glucose concentrations which is why we feel weak before we fall unconscious when we have hypos. GLUT1 through GLUT3 do not require insulin. But GLUT4 does, and GLUT4 is _the_ high-capacity, high-speed, high-volume glucose transporter. If one is insulin-deficient, GLUT4 is disabled, and cells starve: skeletal muscle first, but it is durable as heck and suvives worse insults. But in that stage, cells generate ketones. In short, the presence of ketones as waste products in the blood is independent of high blood sugar; it is caused by a lack of glucose within the cells, which is _often_ caused by a lack of insulin. And if there is a lack of insulin, blood glucose _often_ rises steeply because it cannot be shunted into adipose cells (fatty tissue) for safe storage. Two asides: First, ketosis (the state in which cells produce ketones) can also be induced by diet -- Atkins and the like -- but generally comes with a responsive and well-regulated balance of insulin and glucagon. That balance doesn't really exist in T1DM, which is a good reason to avoid fad diets. And second, there is a sub-type of GLUT4 which works without insulin, but it becomes active only during exercise, and even then, it cannot compensate for a prolonged lack of insulin. Finally, a caveat: Don't self-treat DKA (ketoacidosis, where the electrolyte balance in the blood and serum has already shifted decisively); a large dose of insulin will drive potassium into the cells, leading to a potentially fatal hypokalemia. In DKA, IV fluids and electrolytes are as important or more so than getting the BG down.
I’ve just gotten around to watching this, but how scary!! I’ve been in DKA before and was in a coma for a few days, followed by a long stay in the hospital, that was about 20 years ago however, and I did not have good control over my sugars at the time. This is super informative because I look at you as having really awesome control, and seeing how you went into DKA, and SO quickly and without high glucose levels for an extended amount of time really is an inspiration to go out and buy some fresh ketone strips. So glad you recovered quickly.
So glad you’re okay. I was DKA when I was first diagnosed in December 2015. Had probably been DKA for 6 weeks. Spent 3 days in the ICU and began the process of researching and learned about Type 1. Thanks for being a resource. Education is so important.
I've been hospitalized 3 times for DKA. Each time was a 3 day stay. So happy that you found it early and was able to catch it early enough. Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was admitted to the hospital on April 1st of last year in severe DKA. I am a T2 diabetic, but was not adequately controlled. The night before, I actually went to a different ER that misdiagnosed it as food poisoning (even though I hadn’t been able to keep anything down for a few days prior) due to comparatively-low sugar readings (roughly 200 or so). The second ER caught it within seconds of looking at me, and tested to confirm. They said I was lucky that I hadn’t slipped into a coma. I spent three days in ICU, and four more in a normal room in the hospital before they felt comfortable discharging, and even then I think one of the hospitalists wanted me to stay another day or two. They speculate that it was brought on by a mixture of a mild infection and high stress (I bought my first house about a week or so prior). To this day, I still suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues stemming from this. Seeing other people making posts about this definitely helps me feel less alone in all of this. You’ve earned a new subscriber for life. Thank you for doing what you’re doing. ❤️
I'm glad you're okay! I grew up with a few friends with T1D so I'm pretty in tune with these symptoms + hypoglycemia symptoms. I am now a pharmacy student so I've studied DKA in biochemistry. I did not realize that a blood glucose of 234 was high enough to cause DKA, but that's good to know!
Thanks so much Jamie! Yes, I was honestly so shocked, and still do not really understand why my blood sugar wasn't that high...but I will be watching out for the symptoms more carefully from now on :).
Hi. Please takes this comment only as a suggestion. Your video would, in my opinion, be better without the endless music track behind it. It adds nothing. Having been a television music writer for 32 years, I have had my share of the same criticism. YOUR VIDEOS DON’T NEED A MUSIC TRACK.
Very insightful and useful video, Michelle. As much respect and admiration as I have for medical professionals, it can be quite invaluable to non-diabetics to hear about these experiences from someone with the disease (definitely resonates more). I've suffered about 3 episodes of DKA in my lifetime as a type 1 diabetic. My last episode of DKA occurred about 6 years ago, during my last year at university. It was extremely uncomfortable, if not excruciating at times attempting to catch my breath and holding myself back from vomiting what felt like acid. Almost collapsed when a friend discovered me and drove me to the ER. I was immediately admitted to intensive care and informed that had I waited another hour, I'd likely be in a coma or dead. 4 days of hell in that hospital rolling around in agony in a small bed (was a bit delirious at times, talking out loud in my sleep). I went through too many bags of IV fluids to recall and was severely dehydrated. It's refreshing to see how resourceful and responsible you were handling this emergency. I might not have been able to say the same about myself a few years ago. I'm 27 years old today and treating a developing complication with my eyesight (retinopathy), but have otherwise become far more vigilant and prepared. Again, great video and I hope you're doing well today.
My dad is a type 1 diabetic and so I’ve been able to test my blood sugar and I’m always in a very normal range. I have all the other extreme symptoms of DKA, confusion, blurry vision, etc. Problem is we are switching health insurance and it’s all messed up, I obviously live in America by the way. Since my blood sugar is fine and it would cost way too much to go to the emergency room I’m basically stuck waiting until I show dramatic signs of death . Hopefully my insurance is better soon. I felt like I was going to faint twice today and it is really scary. I could just feel my brain slipping away from me. I also have vitiligo so there’s a fair chance I do have type 1 diabetes. We’ll see. If it gets better I’ll update my comment.
So glad you're okay! I was in DKA when I was diagnosed, but my blood sugar was off the charts. Never knew it could happen at such a "normal" blood sugar
Yes, I agree. I'm still SO confused about my relatively lower blood sugar reading. I don't think we will ever know the reason for my strange case of DKA.
That video has been great for my own diabetes education, Michelle. I have been a type 1 for 46 years and have never had DKA, but like you, I thought DKA only happened after a long period of very high BGLs. Thanks for your contribution - I'm very grateful.
Hi Michelle and thanks for posting. I’ve been T1 since 1979 and thankfully never had DKA in all that time - it’s scary to think you had it with a 13mmol blood sugar. It makes you wonder what was going on. Honestly if your insulin wasn’t going in properly your sugars would be way up in the 20s or worse! Glad you’re on the mend now x
Hi! Yes, I completely agree with you. I still don't understand how I was even in "mild DKA" with blood sugar readings of 13 mmol/L. The poor insulin absorption is only our best guess for why the DKA happened. I'm wondering if something else was going on in my body. Perhaps I was fighting an infection that I didn't know about. We will never find out though, so it will remain a mystery!
Michelle Lord Yes I suspect an infection might have been the culprit. I contracted cellulitis and sepsis in the summer after a mosquito bite and my sugars went absolutely nuts! It’s Deet-Dave from now on!
Thankyou so much for sharing, glad you OK. Your video was a big learning curve for me, never knew this could happen at levels like that. I have had a bad week with high levels up to 16, no ideal why, increased Lantus and lots extra humalog to try and correct. Plus bad hypo in the middle of it all, 2.2 needed help to get out of it, and went to 18 mmol/L afterwards. It is so encouraging to know we are not alone with this type 1 . And it is only other type 1 who can really understand. I have two other type type 1 in my family, both got it very young but are very private about it and so can't share with them. I got it later on at 40 from hep B vaccine, I needed to have for my job as industrial chemist.
I know the feeling. It's crazy that you went into DKA with your blood sugar not being that high. I have had diabetes for all of my life (I'm 29) and I went into DKA for the first time last year. Same symptoms, same story. I threw up so much and it tasted like battery acid. My site was kinked so I did not get ANY insulin overnight. my blood sugar was 680 in the hospital (37.8 ) they fasted me for 32 hours and kept me on a drip. I'm glad you are doing ok. it was a learning experience for me too and now I am OS OS O careful. I don't let my blood sugar go over 200 now thanks to my CGM. thanks for this video it's nice to be able to relate.
Wow that is so scary! It's crazy how being on insulin pumps is so helpful, yet one incident like a kinked site can put us in the hospital. I'm glad you are ok!! My DKA situation was super super weird, and we aren't even 100% sure that it was my site. We will never know at this point though haha.
Thank goodness you got yourself into the ER quickly. DKA is so scary. Thank you for sharing your story..reminds me that I need to go get some new ketone strips! Glad you are feeling better!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with type 2 in 2016 . In January 2018 I got food poisoning and about a week after that on the 26th got shingles ( not fun). I checked my blood glucose and it was only 210mg/dl (I knew it was high but thought it was do to the infection and tried to stick to low carb food). On the 27 I felt sick but more sleepy and lethargic and thirsty than I had ever been. I don't even remember eating that day at all just drinking lots of water and sleeping. That night I had the worst sleep of my life as I was up every 30 mins either drinking water or going to the bathroom with such bad shortness of breath. I couldn't sit up with out feeling like I had just run a marathon. On the 28th I had a friend come over after calling and telling me I was not making sense on the phone. After seeing me they insisted I go to the ER to get seen. I agree but insisted I get out of my pjs. ( I know not a good reason to put it off) I got to my room and was once again out of breath and just had to rest. My friend ended up calling 911. My blood glucose was 739mg/dl in the ER I never found out with my ketone was but the it was DKA. After a 6 night stay in the ICU I got to go home and was informed I had LADA not type 2. Now I am aware first hand of the symptoms and stay vigilant. No getting to that point again or putting it off to change my clothes
Great information Michelle. DKA is awful. I had it once on an airplane on the way to London. Not one of 5 doctors on board knew what to do. Sigh. I ended up in the hospital for 3 weeks, critical care etc. I have had DKA since then about 6 times, most of the time being sent to the ICU or CCU, it's no joke. We hesitate to realize that we have a fatal illness if not treated, and even when treated and managed, we can sometimes ignore it. I know exactly what you felt and so glad you went to the hospital. You are doing a lot of good work and making good use of the internet. Thank you, and keep it up. KK
Thank you so much for sharing this video, Michelle! This was VERY informative, but I am so very sorry that you had to go through this. I know it must have been scary, but I am just glad you got it taken care of right away and had Raffi there to help you! I'm 9 years into my Diabetes and honestly (I hate to admit) didn't fully know what DKA really is. Thank you for sharing + educating all of us! Praying for a speedy recovery!
Thanks Dave! I'm so happy that you found it informative. I honestly didn't know a lot about DKA until this experience! I mean, I always knew it could happen ... but I didn't know many of the details. Thanks again for your support
My prayer for all of us and family members who have to experience this very bad sickness,is that Our Creator Yeshua, will show up powerfully so we can be effective in His work. Whether we know Him, confused about Him or dont have a relationship with Him, that He reveals Himself to us powerfully....Amen Amen Amen
As someone who has recently went into dka 2 months ago and just today got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I am really glad there are more survivors in this community. Thank you for sharing your experience, I am glad youre still doing well!
I was so lucky when I was diagnosed that I wasn’t in DKA I just had blood sugars of 26.2. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone due to DKA as I know just how easy it is to slip into DKA in just minutes.
I found your channel recently and you are a huge help I recently was diagnosed with diabetes and had experienced dka. It started with a panic attack and I had harmed myself and had to go to the hospital. after that it went down hill from there as it turned out I had dka and extremely high blood sugar and had to stay at the hospital for a couple of days it was scary but I truly thank the nurses and doctors that helped me out. I'm doing a little bit better but I'm having a really hard time keeping my blood sugar normal
Just came across this. Glad you survived. I had a brutal DKA episode hiking out of the Grand Canyon. I was reduced to taking 30 steps at a time then having to stop to gather enough strength to go on. Vomiting, dizzy, weak, the whole ugly show. Don't think I would have made it out if I didn't have my hiking poles to lean on and my wife there to help keep me focused on what I needed to do. That day has given me quite the appreciation for every one I have had since. :-) Best wishes to you.
Been there. Tough times. Closest I've been to the other side. I don't know you but I feel for you having experienced this. Mine was very extreme. Let this be a lesson. Our T1D lives hang in a delicate balance. I'm glad your here to tell your story. I feel your pain and support you in the fullest. E S
I’m a type 2 diabetic have been for 11 years and I’m so glad found your channel you are so informative and I’ve subscribed to your channel thank you Michelle for all your videos
david bradford you should definitely adopt a whole food plantbased diet. No meat, dairy and processed foods. Aim for 60-70 raw and you could get off the metformin, glyberide and whatever other crap they have you on. I know it’s extreme for people who have ate a certain way their whole life and we’re lied to along the way. Choice is yours, modify your diet or stay with type 2.
I am happy to hear that you caught it in an early stage and recovered quickly. It´s not really BG in it self that causes ketone build up. The lack of insulin is what accelerates this process according to my Dr .
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been a type 2 diabetic for 6 years and I have had DKA sneak up on me, usually with major illnesses about 6 times in my life…last week being one of them…it always good to remind doctors that you might think its happening because I have been misdiagnosed twice with the flu with it was DKA…doctors misdiagnose it all the time! Have all your supplies ready, check your blood levels often. I am asking for an insulin pump so this doesnt happen again because this last it almost killed me
Oh my God on January 9, 2018 I had a almost identical experience. I’ve was diagnosed a type 1 diabetic 19 years ago. On Jan 8th I went to sleep with bs around 130. By the next morning I was around 210. I was nauseous and throwing up. I’ve experienced this before so I changed my site. Still no change. Checked bs again still around 212. I changed my insulin vials. No change. My muscles started to hurt. I felt awful. My sister took to ER I was tested
I have heard that in the event of an insulin pump failure for whatever reason things can go very wrong very quickly. So glad you came through it. Watching your video gave me many valuable insights. Many thanks for posting.
I am a T1 for the more than 30 years and that's the first information that I have learned about DKA. As far as I know, I've never had that sort of attack, although my endocrinologist did alert me once that my 3 monthly blood analysis did show up a low level of ketones. I now have a ketone test blood kit. However, he didn't go into much details of what it meant. I have always had good BG control, my last Hb1Ac was 6,3, but occasionally I do have very high BG, for example, 334 mg/dl (18.56 mmol/L). So it's good to know that, in those situations, I have to be aware of the risk of DKA: which I know am thanks to your video.
I had DKA back on 12/8/23 from undiagnosed diabetes. I'm 46 and it was the worst pain I've experienced in my adult life. Out of nowhere I had a couple of seconds blurred vision, then after that I could barely walk and started throwing up for 2 days straight. By the 3rd morning I went to the ER, blood sugar was 360 after 3 days of no eating. Was in the hospital for 4 days, and recovery took about 3 weeks. My cells were tapped, so first week home from hospital I couldn't do ANYthing. I had no symptoms of diabetes, so I had no idea, but pancreas took a nap! Thats my T1D diagnosis.
I am actually surprised they sent you home the same day. I had DKA back in February of this year (as a type 2 diabetic, with a blood sugar of about 300) and I was in the hospital for 2.5 days (I pretty much begged them to go home for Valentine's day and since my labs were mostly stable they let me go home). The first 24 hours I had to get blood drawn every 4 hours. After the first 24 hours, I had to get blood drawn twice a day. I had an insulin/saline drip and a 2nd IV with phosphorus the first 24 hours, then I transitioned to saline only with insulin injections 4 times a day. They tested my blood sugars every hour for the first 24 hours, then every 4 hours the rest of the time I was in the hospital. In my case, I had long term, uncontrolled Diabetes. However, what they figure was the cause of my DKA was that in December I had COVID that lasted until mid January. Then I got strep shortly after that. Then I contracted a stomach virus. So, basically the back to back illnesses is what led to my DKA with a blood sugar of about 300.
This was a fantastic video, very informative Im a diabetic of 35 years now and have had DKA once when I was 20. it was soooo scary. I would just like to add, if its not been mentioned before in the comments. A big thing to look out for as well, is the smell of peardrops (a type of sweet in the UK) on the patients breath. Im not entirely sure what makes this happen, and it might not happen to every one, but I had this, and the Dr in A&E instantly recongised this, and I believe this was what actually saved my life. Hope this helps
it’s almost been two years since i went into DKA and was in coma for 3 days. i was very suicidal for months and months before that and i stopped taking care of my diabetes. I am so thankful to be alive now. it was the scariest thing i’ve ever experienced. i felt my body shutting down. i felt myself dying. and how i have gastroperesis because of it.
I had that also. It scared me to the bone. I was sick couldn't eat or drink anything. I couldn't even do my insulins, either of them. The rushed me to ICU ran very high fever for days. They told my husband if he hadn't brought me in I would have died. He went into panic mode and my family also. I am so glad you are okay.
I'm so glad you are okay, this really scares me, I had no idea you could build ketones with sugars that are not overly high and you seem to have really good control.
Thank you! I honestly think that my case was quite unusual! Don't let this scare you, just be more aware :). So if you are vomiting and having other DKA symptoms, make sure to check your ketones.
Two weeks ago my 12yr old was diagnosed with servere DKA, on admission to hospital ketone was 6 and blood sugar 42mmol. Subsquently diagnosed was T1D, I really enjoy watching your videos, given me loads of useful tips and helps for dealing with T1D with my son
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m a newly diagnosed type 1. It SUCKS! But, I’m glad to have found your channel. It is very educational and helpful for me. Thank you again.
I'm so glad your okay, when I was diagnosed (type1) I luckily wasn't sick. its quite funny actually, my nanna had told my parents about a trial that was taking place for kids with parents who had diabetes. Since my dad also has type1 I was put on the trial with my sister. Over time we slowly had to go for blood samples every few months until I was found to have at least 1 antibody for it, I had to then go back to a clinic every few months for a hours so that the doctors could keep in check. a few more years until I get 2 antibody's and then 3 in grade 4, I was 9. The hospital basically said I had diabetes, but since I was diagnosed early, I wont get sick and can go onto a dialuted version of insulin. I'm 13 now and still struggle with a lot of issues that come with diabetes. I've just so happened to have stumbled onto your channel and i find it really helpful. Its nice to know that i can get helpful tips on these sorts of things. Thanks for the video!
I’m so got that you are better now. Amazing story and I’m so so happy that you have shares such a personal story and I’ve learned a lot about DKA from this video. 😊😊😊
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm glad you are feeling better and hope it doesn't happen again! I had this happen due to a bad site plus the canula (sp?) had bent when I inserted it in my skin. I was reading blood sugars over 600 for a few hours and after taking a couple of injections of 10 units each, was able to stabilize. I don't think I have ever felt as bad as I did then, as you described. Again, thank you for these informational videos and stay well!
That’s so scary! Thank you for sharing this. I feel like this may have happened to me in the past before without realizing. Definitely going to be more aware of it. Hope you’re feeling better!
So happy you are ok Michelle! Good to know that your BG may not spike crazy high despite not getting insulin. Cassidy & I are helping beyond type 1 with their DKA campaign and this story can really resonate with everyone
DKA is how i found out i was diabetic. my blood sugar was over 500, and i had dropped over thirty pounds in three months even thoguh i had stopped working out due to exhaustion. I had every symptom possible, the horrible thirst and excessive peeing, i couldnt get myself to eat and eventually started throwing up, and i could barely stay awake or walk. I went to the ER and the staff had to keep waking me up in the lobby as I waited five hours. the doctor told me I had DKA and because of how bad I was that I might have only had a couple days left. I made it to 26 without being diagnosed
It's almost uplifting to see all of these comments about people having went through DKA. I went into the hospital because I couldn't keep anything down. I developed what is called Type 3c diabetes or pancreatogenic diabetes because of alcoholic necrotizing pancreatis. It's basically brittle diabetes but I run high rather than low. I went in to the hospital with a glucose of 830. I felt fine but that was because I was basically high from the ammonia in my system. I couldn't even walk straight. A few days prior I had a terrible sensation in my left arm that went up to my chest and neck. I ended up having a minor heart attack because of how high my sugar had been.
up to this moment, i thought ketone test strips are a waste of money cause I've never used them (i have a box that expired 11 years ago). and i also thought DKA can only happen with extremely high blood sugars. thank you so much for spreading awareness!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad you're okay! That was probably the best description of DKA that I've ever heard. I didn't know much about DKA. I have had DKA before and but have only gone to hospital once for it when I was younger. It's scary stuff.
Type 2 here. I went into dka and my blood sugar was only 300. I take insulin now. I'm still trying to understand what happened because I thought it was only the type 1 folks who had to worry about it. Whatever type you have... the complications are horrific if you don't control your sugars. Take care everyone.
I had been a type two diabetic since 2013. In February I thought I had the flu. I had all the symptoms that was later diagnosed at the ER as diabetic ketoacidosis. I was admitted to the hospital on a Tuesday and later released on a Thursday and told to continue with my oral meds. I made it through Friday and The Weeknd. Monday I went to work and then was back at the hospital later that day. When leaving the hospital for the second time I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic my pancreas gave out on me and was no longer producing insulin. I was admitted the first time with low glucose levels.
I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 22yrs now and have been hospitalised with dka more times than I can remember and still do and for the life of me cannot get my diabetes under control
I had a DKA in summer of 2017. This was before I knew what DKA was and what could happen. Was a very scary experience. When I was speaking with the doctor I could barely speak because I mouth was so dry. Stuck in the hospital for two days. Now I am very careful to check my ketones when I'm ill. Sorry you had to go through it. Good vid as always.
Aww that's so scary! I am also going to be super careful with checking my ketones from now on (with the ketone meter and not the urine strips). I hope neither of us have to go through DKA again!
I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Two days after my diagnosis, I was in the hospital with DKA. I had no idea how serious it was until later.
My wife goes through DKÀ every other night...refuses doctors and hospitals so I sneak a teaspoon of baking soda in the coffee filter...which immediately raised the ph level in her body plus brush ur teeth to kill acids there...
thank you for your video. I hope you feel better. I am the mum of a 2 years old who was diagnosed with T1D when she was 18 month. she was DAL when diagnosed. 20.4 and ketones 4.7 We stayed 1.5 week at hospital. I love your videos and help a lot for when she grows.
That sounds super scary, thanks for sharing! When I was diagnosed my blood sugar was so high I was in major DKA but thankfully I don't remember anything. So glad you're okay!
I ended up in DKA on 28tg at 36.4. I was in the hospital from the 28th - 30th. The doctor tending to me knew absolutely nothibg about T1 and I lacked insulin. I went back on my pump and he wanted to continue administering insulin subq. He treat as if I were a T2. I currently have a meeting scheduled on Tuesdayvwith the Chief Medical Officer to dicuss what happened. When I was diagnosed at age 13, I was 54.7 as my diagosis bg.
Omg, it's SO scary how some doctors have no idea about T1D. I'm glad you are having a meeting to talk about this incident, and I'm sorry to hear this happened to you in the first place!
Michelle Lord Thanks, yes it is scary. My nurses were fantastic. The doctor didn't give me enough insulin for my sensitivity factors, or carb ratios. I didn't the right amount until I went back on my pump yet he still wanted to give me insulin via subq. Like uhh NO!
I'm diabetic for over 40 years although i Had high ketones few times over the years (nothing serious, treated with tomato juice), but it was always with sugar over 30 mmol/L, sometimes with sugars over 33.3 (limit of testing machines) ketones levels were normal, I did not know that diabetic can get high ketones at 13, I guess everybody is similar but different. Thanks Michelle for sharing your experience.
I just found this video from looking up type 1 diabetes videos. I'm 25 and only just been newly diagnosed as type 1. When I was admitted to hospital I went in to DKA before I was even diagnosed as diabetic and it was a scary time.
You're not alone. I was diagnosed the beginning of this month and went into dka and had to be put in the ICU for a week. I had no idea I had type one. I thought it was food poisoning . God bless 💙
Sorry you experienced a DKA! I have had several before getting on a pump and always ended up admitted to intensive care unit.I swear DKA is the worst sickness you will ever experience.Everytime I had it I felt so close to death like I was just holding on.Glad you had caught it in time and had a fast recovery with no hospitalization.
I had my first DKA experience in 30 years of dealing with type-1 last Sunday. 30 years of injections, and only hypoglycemia. Then a month on the t:slim and I wind up in the ICU. I still like the pump, because it practically eliminated crashes, and gave me some time back I used to allocate to meter readings and injections. DKA can come on really fast. If I hadn’t listened to my wife and gone to the ER, I wouldn’t have made it to Monday.
I have been there and survived. I know what the coma is like. Back in July 2017 I started to get signs that I was diabetic, however I did not know it at the time. Gradually I got sicker, and started to slip into a coma. Thankfully my family called an ambulance and I was rushed to hospital. I came so close to dying, and in fact I did die, twice on the emergency room trolley, where they had to use electric shock to my heart to get me back alive. I then fell into a semi state coma. I have no memory at all of this. My first memory was waking up in ICU with a nurse looking at me, and saying "welcome back John". My consultant told me that I was 90% gone, and they took six hours to get me stabilised. I came to close to dying in the hospital, my mother was actually planning my funeral. I was only 32 years of age at the time
Wow 😮 I would’ve never thought of DKA w those numbers. So good to know! I’ve been in ICU a handful of times for dka . Not fun. Some of the worst symptoms ever! I’m glad you’re ok 💙
Thanks Monica! Yes, I'm still in shock that I was so sick with relatively low blood sugars! Who knows what else was going on in my body at the time though. I'm sorry you have been in the ICU with DKA - that is no fun at all :(
My sister is now in hospital. She is 22 en just got diagnosed with type 1. She was in DKA for a few weeks now.. she is getting the right treatment now!!
So glad that you are okay! I had one day about a year ago where I had some of the symptoms such as nausea/confusion and I just didn't feel good, but I only ended up going to urgent care. I couldn't bring myself to check for ketones and at the time I wasn't on a pump, I just thought it was food poisoning from the night before. Now I know better that when I feel that bad, to definitely go to the er!
Wow thankyou for sharing - I will be more aware in future! When I was a teenager I had dka when my blood sugar was low!! But I was really sick with some kind of food poisoning. I didn't really imagine it could happen without an underlying illness :-( glad you're feeling better xoxo
The . Worst. Thing. Ever. I went into DKA 5 Times 30 years ago. I'm very careful now. Almost died 30 years ago by waiting 20 hours to get help. Thank The LORD I'm still here! This was back in the days of no insulin pumps...and finger sticks were pretty new.
So sorry this happened to you but thank you for sharing, it definitely taught me a thing or two and will have my ketone strips closer to hand from now on! Hope you are feeling better xx
I've been there myself without ever experiencing complications before. Was hooked up to 4 IVs AND an insulin drip which I wasn't responding to at first which led to a 4 day stay in the ICU...and I never had more than trace amounts of ketones! My Dr said that often times those ketostix are less reliable when you need them the most...I am so glad youre better. I had NO idea I was that bad either. I dont feel highs and lows like I should. I started feeling bad (chest pains and shortness of breath) on a tues and since I hate going to Drs (yea I'm one of those but in my defense I was in the medical field and we make the worst patients) I kept saying I wasnt gonna waste time going for them to tell me I'm fine and it's all in my head. So by that Fri I talked to my step mom and she sounded worried and told me its better to be safe than sorry (my husband died in 2015 from T1D complications) so even tho I wanted to wait out the weekend, I reluctantly went to the ED. This was Oct 2017 (it is now 2019) and of all Fridays it had to be the 13th. Well good thing I went in bc they said had I of waited till Mon like I wanted to, I wouldn't have been alive! I've had 1 other DKA scare and I actually could feel my body shutting down...and the Drs have said once you've been in DKA its easier for it to happen again. Its so important to know the signs and symptoms (if you can still feel them normally) bc the sooner you catch it the better off you'll be and the less of a chance you'll have at causing permanent complications.
That's really scary how quickly it can affect you, especially when you're only 13mmol. I'm glad you highlighted the multiple reasons for DKA, it's easy to assume just bad control. This time last year I had a BG reading of 25mmol following a running event in the cold. Not sure on the cause but I now consider myself very lucky not to enter DKA. Thanks for sharing, pleased you're ok
Thank you! Yes, it is strange because I've been up in the 20's before with no ketones at all, yet this incident caused ketones. SO weird how T1D affects us! I don't think I will ever understand it!
My Sister Helen died from DKA.She had gone to the Doctors a week previously complaining of tummy upset and vomiting and diahorrea.The bastard just sent her home(yes I am angry). A week later she failed to turn up for her voluntary work which was cooking for the homeless.This was unheard of for my Sister.Her work colleagues rang the police who attended my sisters house. Her car was on the drive and front door locked from the inside..They broke the door down to discover her in a state of rigor mortis in bed. It took 3 months for the pathologist report. I am really hurting right now which is some 4 months now since her passing.She had just turned 52 some 3 weeks earlier. I single handedly dealt with her estate and cleared her house and organised her funeral and paid for it all and also bought her a grave and headstone.I loved my Sister very dearly. We were separated as Children and I had only reunited with her over the last 4 years and am glad to say I spoilt her rotten.Birthdays and Christmas and I took her everywhere and even took her on holiday with my partner(another Helen) off 22 years. It was important to me to do all of the things for her that as a brother I wanted to do. Admittedly my Sister was a bit cavalier with her condition and should of managed her diabetes better but also her Doctors surgery should of helped her better. Rest in Peace Helen Jane Wise(Nėe Evans) March 8th 1967- April 4th 2019. ALWAYS LOVED & NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN.🙏🏻❤️ Thank You for the video upload .Is incremental in my healing.
One day last year my meals all day were very low carb. You can imagine my blood sugar was excellent before bed. But I woke up nauseous and puking, my ketones were off the charts. Simply from not giving enough insulin, even though my sugars weren’t high! Ketones are crazy. So glad you caught it early and you’re doing better!!
Tara Nascimento Oh my gosh, that’s crazy! I don’t eat low carb, so I doubt that’s what happened to me, but I’m glad you shared your story so that I know this is a possibility!
Thanks for sharing. I was not aware of these symptoms and seriousness of DKA. I thought the pump was supposed to detect blood. Glad you are doing better.
Thank you 🙏🏻 This was so helpful. I thought you needed very high blood sugar to have DKA ?!? I will definitely be checking my ketones more often (never do)! I’ve also had that blood pouring out of a site 😱😨. Strange.
Thanks for this video. Just last week my daughter woke up and she needed to pee after breakfast. I’ve been managing her blood sugar pretty good. And I’m paranoid about everything when it comes to her. The night before her blood sugar stayed in the 100 range which Is pretty good but that morning after breakfast, her blood sugar spiked alittle but decided to check her ketones in her urine because I haven’t don’t that in awhile. The shade was the second to the last shade which caused me to panick. This has never happened. I was confused cause her blood sugars had been pretty good. Her doctor increased her basal which helped a whole lot. But I’m so glad she didn’t get to that point. I would’ve been a crying mess because that’s my baby....
My brother is in coma at this moment, both me and him have type 1 diabetic, he has 87 bloodsugar (should be) 6. I just called the emergancy and now its down to 32. But this is just a minor part in this. Now they have to clense hos blood, keep watching vitals regarding his brain, heart and kidneys. Its still very critical and unsure if he will make it. He was found laying on the ground and have been there for atleast 12h since he lives alone. I will visit him soon
Thanks a lot for this video Michelle. Very informative and straight to the point. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 19 years and I have never checked my cetone levels, even after spending several days over 300mg/dl due to sickness. I will be more careful from now on.
My mother is still a little upset at my diabetes nurse at the time of my DKA experience. I had suffered from the flu for a few days prior, nothing major to most people. People get sick. But all of a sudden my BG refused to go down and she called the nurse up who told her to wait it out, it's probably just a severe flu. Later at night, I went into coma and was told after they had gotten me to wake up that I was roughly 15 minutes from death when I came in. That was extremely scary. Unfortunately, I have Brittle Bone Disease as well, so after (sorry for being graphic) the extreme vomiting I had also cracked some ribs so it really took a number on me for quite a bit. I was extremely lucky to still be living at home when it happened. That experience scares me silly about this Coronavirus thing going around now. I've seen what a "regular" flu can do. Heck, even a cold can bring you into DKA. I know that I wasn't responsive then. I hope I'm responsive for long enough if it would happen while living alone that I could call for help. I try to be particular about my diabetes to the best of my abilities to make sure it doesn't happen, but if you are sick prior it's really difficult to deal with it. Luckily I have a ketone meter but I should really make sure I'm stocked up on non-expired testing strips.
I've once had very severe DKA. The nausea and throwing up kept going for a day or two, all the while my diabetes nurse telling me to wait it out, that it's probably just a stomach virus. Eventually I went into some semi-consciousness where I wasn't responsive to stimulus but I was conscious enough to talk myself. When I finally got to the hospital, the doctor said I was an hour or two away from dying since I was already throwing up blood. Mine did start with a stomach virus and eventually crept up on me during that so it was very difficult to detect. It wasn't a great experience and I had cramped quite severely so I had cracks in the bones in my legs and stuff from the cramps and throwing up. But with an IV with insulin it soon went away and I could go back to normal.
My gf of 16 years passed from diabetes and today I woke up in tears missing her and and wanting to know more about dka after finding her and your video and the comments helped a lot thanks
are you ok man?
Your videos are very informative and understandable. You project your videos very well. You are a God sent to people, like me, who had no clue about diabetes . Until I was in the ICU for four days.And your videos are amazing like you. Thank you ❤
This truly got me emotional. I empathise with you ❤I hope you find love again❤
@@frit5050 yes day by day
Thank goodness you survived. My nephew Ben died of DKA in December 2017. His T1 was not diagnosed in spite of presenting to A&E just a day before his death. Ben was 18. His DKA was diagnosed as a panic attack and he was sent home where he suffered a cardiac arrest. We have a trust set up to help prevent this happening to anyone else Make That Change Trust is where you will find us. Too many people die from DKA needlessly. Ben's blood sugar was just 11.7.
Wow, I am so saddened and sorry to hear this news. This is why we must spread awareness of T1D and DKA. I will check out your trust. Thanks for sharing your story, and once again, I am sorry for your loss :(
This happens far too often. I wish there was more awareness of the symptoms and existence of Type 1 among doctors. This happened to someone in my family too. Went to the er, never tested for Type 1 even though he had all the classic symptoms, sent home with the "flu" and went into DKA and almost died. He did live. So very very very sorry for your loss.
Crafty Little Things UK False liar
I had DKA and it went into respiratory acidosis where I couldn't stop hyperventilating. Before they caught the DKA, they tried to say I had anxiety. I think your nephew had the same thing. So sorry he was misdiagnosed and suffered the consequences.
I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew Ben. Im a nursing student doing a presentation on DKA this Thursday hoping to spread more awareness.
3rd year nursing student here. Professors could not explain it well, but I watched this video, and now I finally understand. THANK YOU.
I am a nursing students and Your explanation of DKA was flawless. Glad you made this video, good luck sweetie! I'm so glad you're okay.
Wow that is such a compliment! Thank you :)
Hi!!!! I had DKA when I was 2 almost 3 years old and I am 8 years now. I had T1D for 6 years now. Love you
Geez at 234, scary stuff. If you are uncontrolled, I recommend you to listen to Dr. Bernstein in TH-cam. He changed my life. I was generally in range HbA1c of mid to low 6. My last HbA1c was 7.8 and that was my awakening call. Following his advice my glucose is stable at around 90 all day. Wish you the best, and stay healthy.
M
I actually went through this exact thing at 13 it was awful but it’s nice to know that we all can get through it together
my mom just went into dka last night she’s never gone through this before so here i am doing research while she’s in the hospital , her blood sugar went all the way up to 700 and she was unresponsive it was so horrible to see her like that i’m still so worried about her 💔 this is no joke and needs to be spread for more awareness!
I was in ICU 18 days from DKA, in a coma for 3 days with failed kidneys and Cerebral Edema, I believe my blood sugar was 56 mmol/L. Basically I went to sleep and never woke up, I was found in a diabetic DKA coma, I never knew I was diabetic, all I had was a massive thirst on the day before the incident.
I was lucky not to have died as the doctors told me I was close to death a few times as they tried to save me in the initial first hours.
DKA is serious...!
@@markdavy9774 Hi Mark, your story sounds alot like what my husband is going through now. I'm so glad you made it through and I am praying for the same outcome for him.
My bffs sis is in the icu with DKA
The beginning of this year I went into DKA... I was in the ICU for 4 days... it was honestly so horrifying. I had 3 IVs at the same time, many blood tests and a lot of pain and worrying.... hands down the scariest thing I've ever gone through
Same 🌸 I thought I was going to die
Cookiedream Gacha it’s terrifying.... I’m glad your ok though ☺️
@Tippymeerkat74 same 😭😭
I spent 3 weeks in the icu and weeks after in the hospital. I even had to go to rehab because my muscles were so weak I couldn’t even stand.
@@daddygomez6700 I hate it, I just recently went into dka again (insurance sucks) and I had a hole in my stomach from the acid and my heart nearly failed…. It’s so scary but I’m glad your ok now!!!
I have been in DKA twice. The first time I ended up in ICU for 5 days and the second time for 1 week. I had been vomiting for 12 hours prior to going to ER and my BSL were off the charts. My glucometer just said "HI". Upon checking my manual, I learned that meant over 35!!. By the time I got there, I couldn't stand and was severely dehydrated..so much so that my IV was given in my neck because my veins were not cooperating. I didn't realize how bad if shape I was in until the doctors explained how serious it was. It was very scary for me...I have 2 young children and the thought of this disease taking me away from them breaks my heart. Take care everyone 💙
I had dka several times because I chose to not manage my diabetes and do drugs instead. I'm fine now but I do have some nerve damage in my toes.
I just got out of hospital after being admitted with DKA. The doctor came round this morning and gave me the wake up call i needed. It’s comforting to know that someone else experienced this because I always feel like the only one with this problem
Hi! I'm a new type 1 diabetic. I got diagnosed last week when I went into DKA. I know its very scary but thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you are ok😊
Hope you're doing ok. It can be scary at times
Scary and thanks for the Video.. really didn't know it could happen with such a relatively "low" blood sugar. Hope you're feeling better :)
Thank you! Same here... I don't think I will ever completely understand why it happened without the presence of high blood sugar. T1D is so confusing haha
it really is ... I've been all over the place today and it's probably from all the emotions (went to a funeral today and switched between laughing/smiling aka happy memories and crying non stop) but still it was crazy... guess we all have those crazy days ^^
Aww I'm sorry!! Yes, emotions can really affect us too. I hope your day gets better
ninaandianfan21 It can happen with 5.5 mmol/l = 99 mg/dl too.
DKA arises when cells are undersupplied with glucose compared to their energy needs; that kicks off anaerobic energy production which generates ketones. Glucose gets into cells through pathways mediated by a few different proteins; the four of importance here are GLUT1 (glucose transporter #1) through GLUT4.
GLUT1 is low-volume and handles basic needs of cells (respiration) for their survival, but it does not handle greater demand levels.
GLUT2 is low-volume but low-delay, and it is bi-directional. It is used by liver cells which must either take up glucose to produce glycogen for storage or break glycogen down to release glucose and which also release glucose built from scratch (gluconeogenesis) into the bloodstream. Pancreas cells use it to measure serum glucose; for this, the intracellular glucose level must be the same as in the serum, requiring two-way transport. Oh, and the kidney's tubular cells use this GLUT2, too -- that is how they excrete glucose or take it back up from the filtration stage.
GLUT3 is the one that supplies neurons. It works even with low glucose concentrations which is why we feel weak before we fall unconscious when we have hypos.
GLUT1 through GLUT3 do not require insulin. But GLUT4 does, and GLUT4 is _the_ high-capacity, high-speed, high-volume glucose transporter. If one is insulin-deficient, GLUT4 is disabled, and cells starve: skeletal muscle first, but it is durable as heck and suvives worse insults. But in that stage, cells generate ketones.
In short, the presence of ketones as waste products in the blood is independent of high blood sugar; it is caused by a lack of glucose within the cells, which is _often_ caused by a lack of insulin. And if there is a lack of insulin, blood glucose _often_ rises steeply because it cannot be shunted into adipose cells (fatty tissue) for safe storage.
Two asides: First, ketosis (the state in which cells produce ketones) can also be induced by diet -- Atkins and the like -- but generally comes with a responsive and well-regulated balance of insulin and glucagon. That balance doesn't really exist in T1DM, which is a good reason to avoid fad diets. And second, there is a sub-type of GLUT4 which works without insulin, but it becomes active only during exercise, and even then, it cannot compensate for a prolonged lack of insulin.
Finally, a caveat: Don't self-treat DKA (ketoacidosis, where the electrolyte balance in the blood and serum has already shifted decisively); a large dose of insulin will drive potassium into the cells, leading to a potentially fatal hypokalemia. In DKA, IV fluids and electrolytes are as important or more so than getting the BG down.
I’ve just gotten around to watching this, but how scary!! I’ve been in DKA before and was in a coma for a few days, followed by a long stay in the hospital, that was about 20 years ago however, and I did not have good control over my sugars at the time.
This is super informative because I look at you as having really awesome control, and seeing how you went into DKA, and SO quickly and without high glucose levels for an extended amount of time really is an inspiration to go out and buy some fresh ketone strips. So glad you recovered quickly.
So glad you’re okay. I was DKA when I was first diagnosed in December 2015. Had probably been DKA for 6 weeks. Spent 3 days in the ICU and began the process of researching and learned about Type 1. Thanks for being a resource. Education is so important.
Thanks Kim! I'm sorry you were in DKA for so long! That must have been awful :(. I hope you are doing well now
I've been hospitalized 3 times for DKA. Each time was a 3 day stay. So happy that you found it early and was able to catch it early enough. Thank you for the video.
Thank you! I'm sorry you've had some long hospital stays due to DKA. Not fun at all :(
Michelle Lord no they aren't. But thankfully it's been 10ish years since I've been hospitalized. (Knock on wood now)
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was admitted to the hospital on April 1st of last year in severe DKA. I am a T2 diabetic, but was not adequately controlled. The night before, I actually went to a different ER that misdiagnosed it as food poisoning (even though I hadn’t been able to keep anything down for a few days prior) due to comparatively-low sugar readings (roughly 200 or so). The second ER caught it within seconds of looking at me, and tested to confirm. They said I was lucky that I hadn’t slipped into a coma. I spent three days in ICU, and four more in a normal room in the hospital before they felt comfortable discharging, and even then I think one of the hospitalists wanted me to stay another day or two. They speculate that it was brought on by a mixture of a mild infection and high stress (I bought my first house about a week or so prior). To this day, I still suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues stemming from this. Seeing other people making posts about this definitely helps me feel less alone in all of this.
You’ve earned a new subscriber for life. Thank you for doing what you’re doing. ❤️
I'm so glad everything is alright now! glad you could go back home!
Thanks Laina! :)
I'm glad you're okay! I grew up with a few friends with T1D so I'm pretty in tune with these symptoms + hypoglycemia symptoms. I am now a pharmacy student so I've studied DKA in biochemistry. I did not realize that a blood glucose of 234 was high enough to cause DKA, but that's good to know!
Thanks so much Jamie! Yes, I was honestly so shocked, and still do not really understand why my blood sugar wasn't that high...but I will be watching out for the symptoms more carefully from now on :).
Hi. Please takes this comment only as a suggestion. Your video would, in my opinion, be better without the endless music track behind it. It adds nothing. Having been a television music writer for 32 years, I have had my share of the same criticism. YOUR VIDEOS DON’T NEED A MUSIC TRACK.
you obviously didn't learn much because dka is not caused by high blood sugar.
ion gradient simulations Yes, it is! She knows what she is talking about, she has had T1 diabetes almost all her life! Stop being horrid.
What exactly is DKA? Of now I better look it up to be on the safe side!
Very insightful and useful video, Michelle. As much respect and admiration as I have for medical professionals, it can be quite invaluable to non-diabetics to hear about these experiences from someone with the disease (definitely resonates more). I've suffered about 3 episodes of DKA in my lifetime as a type 1 diabetic. My last episode of DKA occurred about 6 years ago, during my last year at university. It was extremely uncomfortable, if not excruciating at times attempting to catch my breath and holding myself back from vomiting what felt like acid. Almost collapsed when a friend discovered me and drove me to the ER. I was immediately admitted to intensive care and informed that had I waited another hour, I'd likely be in a coma or dead. 4 days of hell in that hospital rolling around in agony in a small bed (was a bit delirious at times, talking out loud in my sleep). I went through too many bags of IV fluids to recall and was severely dehydrated. It's refreshing to see how resourceful and responsible you were handling this emergency. I might not have been able to say the same about myself a few years ago. I'm 27 years old today and treating a developing complication with my eyesight (retinopathy), but have otherwise become far more vigilant and prepared. Again, great video and I hope you're doing well today.
Well done. I'm glad you're looking after yourself
My dad is a type 1 diabetic and so I’ve been able to test my blood sugar and I’m always in a very normal range. I have all the other extreme symptoms of DKA, confusion, blurry vision, etc. Problem is we are switching health insurance and it’s all messed up, I obviously live in America by the way. Since my blood sugar is fine and it would cost way too much to go to the emergency room I’m basically stuck waiting until I show dramatic signs of death . Hopefully my insurance is better soon. I felt like I was going to faint twice today and it is really scary. I could just feel my brain slipping away from me. I also have vitiligo so there’s a fair chance I do have type 1 diabetes. We’ll see. If it gets better I’ll update my comment.
So glad you're okay! I was in DKA when I was diagnosed, but my blood sugar was off the charts. Never knew it could happen at such a "normal" blood sugar
Yes, I agree. I'm still SO confused about my relatively lower blood sugar reading. I don't think we will ever know the reason for my strange case of DKA.
That video has been great for my own diabetes education, Michelle. I have been a type 1 for 46 years and have never had DKA, but like you, I thought DKA only happened after a long period of very high BGLs. Thanks for your contribution - I'm very grateful.
Hi Michelle and thanks for posting. I’ve been T1 since 1979 and thankfully never had DKA in all that time - it’s scary to think you had it with a 13mmol blood sugar. It makes you wonder what was going on. Honestly if your insulin wasn’t going in properly your sugars would be way up in the 20s or worse! Glad you’re on the mend now x
Hi! Yes, I completely agree with you. I still don't understand how I was even in "mild DKA" with blood sugar readings of 13 mmol/L. The poor insulin absorption is only our best guess for why the DKA happened. I'm wondering if something else was going on in my body. Perhaps I was fighting an infection that I didn't know about. We will never find out though, so it will remain a mystery!
Michelle Lord Yes I suspect an infection might have been the culprit. I contracted cellulitis and sepsis in the summer after a mosquito bite and my sugars went absolutely nuts! It’s Deet-Dave from now on!
Thankyou so much for sharing, glad you OK. Your video was a big learning curve for me, never knew this could happen at levels like that. I have had a bad week with high levels up to 16, no ideal why, increased Lantus and lots extra humalog to try and correct. Plus bad hypo in the middle of it all, 2.2 needed help to get out of it, and went to 18 mmol/L afterwards. It is so encouraging to know we are not alone with this type 1 . And it is only other type 1 who can really understand. I have two other type type 1 in my family, both got it very young but are very private about it and so can't share with them.
I got it later on at 40 from hep B vaccine, I needed to have for my job as industrial chemist.
I know the feeling. It's crazy that you went into DKA with your blood sugar not being that high. I have had diabetes for all of my life (I'm 29) and I went into DKA for the first time last year. Same symptoms, same story. I threw up so much and it tasted like battery acid. My site was kinked so I did not get ANY insulin overnight. my blood sugar was 680 in the hospital (37.8 ) they fasted me for 32 hours and kept me on a drip. I'm glad you are doing ok. it was a learning experience for me too and now I am OS OS O careful. I don't let my blood sugar go over 200 now thanks to my CGM. thanks for this video it's nice to be able to relate.
Wow that is so scary! It's crazy how being on insulin pumps is so helpful, yet one incident like a kinked site can put us in the hospital. I'm glad you are ok!! My DKA situation was super super weird, and we aren't even 100% sure that it was my site. We will never know at this point though haha.
Thank goodness you got yourself into the ER quickly. DKA is so scary. Thank you for sharing your story..reminds me that I need to go get some new ketone strips! Glad you are feeling better!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with type 2 in 2016 . In January 2018 I got food poisoning and about a week after that on the 26th got shingles ( not fun). I checked my blood glucose and it was only 210mg/dl (I knew it was high but thought it was do to the infection and tried to stick to low carb food). On the 27 I felt sick but more sleepy and lethargic and thirsty than I had ever been. I don't even remember eating that day at all just drinking lots of water and sleeping. That night I had the worst sleep of my life as I was up every 30 mins either drinking water or going to the bathroom with such bad shortness of breath. I couldn't sit up with out feeling like I had just run a marathon. On the 28th I had a friend come over after calling and telling me I was not making sense on the phone. After seeing me they insisted I go to the ER to get seen. I agree but insisted I get out of my pjs. ( I know not a good reason to put it off) I got to my room and was once again out of breath and just had to rest. My friend ended up calling 911. My blood glucose was 739mg/dl in the ER I never found out with my ketone was but the it was DKA. After a 6 night stay in the ICU I got to go home and was informed I had LADA not type 2. Now I am aware first hand of the symptoms and stay vigilant. No getting to that point again or putting it off to change my clothes
Great information Michelle. DKA is awful. I had it once on an airplane on the way to London. Not one of 5 doctors on board knew what to do. Sigh. I ended up in the hospital for 3 weeks, critical care etc. I have had DKA since then about 6 times, most of the time being sent to the ICU or CCU, it's no joke. We hesitate to realize that we have a fatal illness if not treated, and even when treated and managed, we can sometimes ignore it. I know exactly what you felt and so glad you went to the hospital. You are doing a lot of good work and making good use of the internet. Thank you, and keep it up. KK
Thank you so much for sharing this video, Michelle! This was VERY informative, but I am so very sorry that you had to go through this. I know it must have been scary, but I am just glad you got it taken care of right away and had Raffi there to help you! I'm 9 years into my Diabetes and honestly (I hate to admit) didn't fully know what DKA really is. Thank you for sharing + educating all of us! Praying for a speedy recovery!
Thanks Dave! I'm so happy that you found it informative. I honestly didn't know a lot about DKA until this experience! I mean, I always knew it could happen ... but I didn't know many of the details. Thanks again for your support
My prayer for all of us and family members who have to experience this very bad sickness,is that Our Creator Yeshua, will show up powerfully so we can be effective in His work. Whether we know Him, confused about Him or dont have a relationship with Him, that He reveals Himself to us powerfully....Amen Amen Amen
As someone who has recently went into dka 2 months ago and just today got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I am really glad there are more survivors in this community. Thank you for sharing your experience, I am glad youre still doing well!
I was so lucky when I was diagnosed that I wasn’t in DKA I just had blood sugars of 26.2. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone due to DKA as I know just how easy it is to slip into DKA in just minutes.
I'm so glad your ok!! My daughter was in dka when diagnosed. She was heaving breathing it was so scary
Aww poor girl! Yes, being in DKA is quite scary. I was only in "mild DKA", and even that was bad! I hope your daughter is doing well :)!
I found your channel recently and you are a huge help I recently was diagnosed with diabetes and had experienced dka. It started with a panic attack and I had harmed myself and had to go to the hospital. after that it went down hill from there as it turned out I had dka and extremely high blood sugar and had to stay at the hospital for a couple of days it was scary but I truly thank the nurses and doctors that helped me out. I'm doing a little bit better but I'm having a really hard time keeping my blood sugar normal
Just came across this. Glad you survived. I had a brutal DKA episode hiking out of the Grand Canyon. I was reduced to taking 30 steps at a time then having to stop to gather enough strength to go on. Vomiting, dizzy, weak, the whole ugly show. Don't think I would have made it out if I didn't have my hiking poles to lean on and my wife there to help keep me focused on what I needed to do. That day has given me quite the appreciation for every one I have had since. :-) Best wishes to you.
Been there. Tough times. Closest I've been to the other side. I don't know you but I feel for you having experienced this. Mine was very extreme. Let this be a lesson. Our T1D lives hang in a delicate balance. I'm glad your here to tell your story. I feel your pain and support you in the fullest.
E S
I’m a type 2 diabetic have been for 11 years and I’m so glad found your channel you are so informative and I’ve subscribed to your channel thank you Michelle for all your videos
david bradford you should definitely adopt a whole food plantbased diet. No meat, dairy and processed foods. Aim for 60-70 raw and you could get off the metformin, glyberide and whatever other crap they have you on. I know it’s extreme for people who have ate a certain way their whole life and we’re lied to along the way. Choice is yours, modify your diet or stay with type 2.
I’m type 2 and iam terrified even when your eating right it’s hard to control diabetes. Thank you for this video
I am happy to hear that you caught it in an early stage and recovered quickly. It´s not really BG in it self that causes ketone build up. The lack of insulin is what accelerates this process according to my Dr
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Thank you for sharing your story. I have been a type 2 diabetic for 6 years and I have had DKA sneak up on me, usually with major illnesses about 6 times in my life…last week being one of them…it always good to remind doctors that you might think its happening because I have been misdiagnosed twice with the flu with it was DKA…doctors misdiagnose it all the time! Have all your supplies ready, check your blood levels often. I am asking for an insulin pump so this doesnt happen again because this last it almost killed me
Oh my God on January 9, 2018 I had a almost identical experience. I’ve was diagnosed a type 1 diabetic 19 years ago. On Jan 8th I went to sleep with bs around 130. By the next morning I was around 210. I was nauseous and throwing up. I’ve experienced this before so I changed my site. Still no change. Checked bs again still around 212. I changed my insulin vials. No change. My muscles started to hurt. I felt awful. My sister took to ER I was tested
I had DKA when I was 11 I almost died they put me in reassusiation and intensive care it was a miracle I survived they told me
I have heard that in the event of an insulin pump failure for whatever reason things can go very wrong very quickly. So glad you came through it. Watching your video gave me many valuable insights. Many thanks for posting.
I am a T1 for the more than 30 years and that's the first information that I have learned about DKA. As far as I know, I've never had that sort of attack, although my endocrinologist did alert me once that my 3 monthly blood analysis did show up a low level of ketones. I now have a ketone test blood kit. However, he didn't go into much details of what it meant. I have always had good BG control, my last Hb1Ac was 6,3, but occasionally I do have very high BG, for example, 334 mg/dl (18.56 mmol/L). So it's good to know that, in those situations, I have to be aware of the risk of DKA: which I know am thanks to your video.
I had DKA back on 12/8/23 from undiagnosed diabetes. I'm 46 and it was the worst pain I've experienced in my adult life. Out of nowhere I had a couple of seconds blurred vision, then after that I could barely walk and started throwing up for 2 days straight. By the 3rd morning I went to the ER, blood sugar was 360 after 3 days of no eating. Was in the hospital for 4 days, and recovery took about 3 weeks. My cells were tapped, so first week home from hospital I couldn't do ANYthing. I had no symptoms of diabetes, so I had no idea, but pancreas took a nap! Thats my T1D diagnosis.
I’m a 40 year diabetic. This is a great insight into a not so high blood sugar DKA incident. I will be more aware of this issue now. Thank you
I am actually surprised they sent you home the same day. I had DKA back in February of this year (as a type 2 diabetic, with a blood sugar of about 300) and I was in the hospital for 2.5 days (I pretty much begged them to go home for Valentine's day and since my labs were mostly stable they let me go home). The first 24 hours I had to get blood drawn every 4 hours. After the first 24 hours, I had to get blood drawn twice a day. I had an insulin/saline drip and a 2nd IV with phosphorus the first 24 hours, then I transitioned to saline only with insulin injections 4 times a day. They tested my blood sugars every hour for the first 24 hours, then every 4 hours the rest of the time I was in the hospital.
In my case, I had long term, uncontrolled Diabetes. However, what they figure was the cause of my DKA was that in December I had COVID that lasted until mid January. Then I got strep shortly after that. Then I contracted a stomach virus. So, basically the back to back illnesses is what led to my DKA with a blood sugar of about 300.
This was a fantastic video, very informative
Im a diabetic of 35 years now and have had DKA once when I was 20. it was soooo scary. I would just like to add, if its not been mentioned before in the comments. A big thing to look out for as well, is the smell of peardrops (a type of sweet in the UK) on the patients breath. Im not entirely sure what makes this happen, and it might not happen to every one, but I had this, and the Dr in A&E instantly recongised this, and I believe this was what actually saved my life. Hope this helps
it’s almost been two years since i went into DKA and was in coma for 3 days. i was very suicidal for months and months before that and i stopped taking care of my diabetes. I am so thankful to be alive now. it was the scariest thing i’ve ever experienced. i felt my body shutting down. i felt myself dying. and how i have gastroperesis because of it.
I had that also. It scared me to the bone. I was sick couldn't eat or drink anything. I couldn't even do my insulins, either of them. The rushed me to ICU ran very high fever for days. They told my husband if he hadn't brought me in I would have died. He went into panic mode and my family also. I am so glad you are okay.
I'm so glad you are okay, this really scares me, I had no idea you could build ketones with sugars that are not overly high and you seem to have really good control.
Thank you! I honestly think that my case was quite unusual! Don't let this scare you, just be more aware :). So if you are vomiting and having other DKA symptoms, make sure to check your ketones.
Two weeks ago my 12yr old was diagnosed with servere DKA, on admission to hospital ketone was 6 and blood sugar 42mmol. Subsquently diagnosed was T1D, I really enjoy watching your videos, given me loads of useful tips and helps for dealing with T1D with my son
I'm glad you caught it pretty quickly and that you're okay! DKA is no joke
Thank you! Absolutely, it can be extremely dangerous.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m a newly diagnosed type 1. It SUCKS! But, I’m glad to have found your channel. It is very educational and helpful for me. Thank you again.
Just watch ur video and happy to see this info.i rushed in hospital before 1.5 years ago but shocked to see there's not any video on after care
I'm so glad your okay, when I was diagnosed (type1) I luckily wasn't sick. its quite funny actually, my nanna had told my parents about a trial that was taking place for kids with parents who had diabetes. Since my dad also has type1 I was put on the trial with my sister. Over time we slowly had to go for blood samples every few months until I was found to have at least 1 antibody for it, I had to then go back to a clinic every few months for a hours so that the doctors could keep in check. a few more years until I get 2 antibody's and then 3 in grade 4, I was 9. The hospital basically said I had diabetes, but since I was diagnosed early, I wont get sick and can go onto a dialuted version of insulin. I'm 13 now and still struggle with a lot of issues that come with diabetes. I've just so happened to have stumbled onto your channel and i find it really helpful. Its nice to know that i can get helpful tips on these sorts of things.
Thanks for the video!
I’m so got that you are better now. Amazing story and I’m so so happy that you have shares such a personal story and I’ve learned a lot about DKA from this video. 😊😊😊
Thanks so much! I'm am happy to share my story :)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm glad you are feeling better and hope it doesn't happen again! I had this happen due to a bad site plus the canula (sp?) had bent when I inserted it in my skin. I was reading blood sugars over 600 for a few hours and after taking a couple of injections of 10 units each, was able to stabilize. I don't think I have ever felt as bad as I did then, as you described. Again, thank you for these informational videos and stay well!
That’s so scary! Thank you for sharing this. I feel like this may have happened to me in the past before without realizing. Definitely going to be more aware of it. Hope you’re feeling better!
Thank you so much Sarah :)
So happy you are ok Michelle! Good to know that your BG may not spike crazy high despite not getting insulin. Cassidy & I are helping beyond type 1 with their DKA campaign and this story can really resonate with everyone
Thanks Erik! I love that you guys are spreading the word about DKA with Beyond Type 1. It is SO important! You and Cassidy are amazing :)
DKA is how i found out i was diabetic. my blood sugar was over 500, and i had dropped over thirty pounds in three months even thoguh i had stopped working out due to exhaustion. I had every symptom possible, the horrible thirst and excessive peeing, i couldnt get myself to eat and eventually started throwing up, and i could barely stay awake or walk. I went to the ER and the staff had to keep waking me up in the lobby as I waited five hours. the doctor told me I had DKA and because of how bad I was that I might have only had a couple days left. I made it to 26 without being diagnosed
It's almost uplifting to see all of these comments about people having went through DKA. I went into the hospital because I couldn't keep anything down. I developed what is called Type 3c diabetes or pancreatogenic diabetes because of alcoholic necrotizing pancreatis. It's basically brittle diabetes but I run high rather than low. I went in to the hospital with a glucose of 830. I felt fine but that was because I was basically high from the ammonia in my system. I couldn't even walk straight. A few days prior I had a terrible sensation in my left arm that went up to my chest and neck. I ended up having a minor heart attack because of how high my sugar had been.
up to this moment, i thought ketone test strips are a waste of money cause I've never used them (i have a box that expired 11 years ago). and i also thought DKA can only happen with extremely high blood sugars. thank you so much for spreading awareness!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad you're okay! That was probably the best description of DKA that I've ever heard. I didn't know much about DKA. I have had DKA before and but have only gone to hospital once for it when I was younger. It's scary stuff.
Thanks so much Zach! I'm glad you learned a bit about DKA from my video :). And let's hope that you never go into DKA again!
You're welcome! Yes, I hope never to go into it again!
Type 2 here. I went into dka and my blood sugar was only 300. I take insulin now. I'm still trying to understand what happened because I thought it was only the type 1 folks who had to worry about it. Whatever type you have... the complications are horrific if you don't control your sugars. Take care everyone.
I had been a type two diabetic since 2013. In February I thought I had the flu. I had all the symptoms that was later diagnosed at the ER as diabetic ketoacidosis. I was admitted to the hospital on a Tuesday and later released on a Thursday and told to continue with my oral meds. I made it through Friday and The Weeknd. Monday I went to work and then was back at the hospital later that day. When leaving the hospital for the second time I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic my pancreas gave out on me and was no longer producing insulin. I was admitted the first time with low glucose levels.
I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 22yrs now and have been hospitalised with dka more times than I can remember and still do and for the life of me cannot get my diabetes under control
I had a DKA in summer of 2017. This was before I knew what DKA was and what could happen. Was a very scary experience. When I was speaking with the doctor I could barely speak because I mouth was so dry. Stuck in the hospital for two days. Now I am very careful to check my ketones when I'm ill. Sorry you had to go through it. Good vid as always.
Aww that's so scary! I am also going to be super careful with checking my ketones from now on (with the ketone meter and not the urine strips). I hope neither of us have to go through DKA again!
I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Two days after my diagnosis, I was in the hospital with DKA. I had no idea how serious it was until later.
My wife goes through DKÀ every other night...refuses doctors and hospitals so I sneak a teaspoon of baking soda in the coffee filter...which immediately raised the ph level in her body plus brush ur teeth to kill acids there...
@@marknieuwejaar1075 I hope you can convince her to go to the hospital.
thank you for your video. I hope you feel better. I am the mum of a 2 years old who was diagnosed with T1D when she was 18 month. she was DAL when diagnosed. 20.4 and ketones 4.7 We stayed 1.5 week at hospital. I love your videos and help a lot for when she grows.
I'm sorry to hear that your daughter was in DKA when diagnosed! I hope she is doing well now. Take care xoxo
That sounds super scary, thanks for sharing! When I was diagnosed my blood sugar was so high I was in major DKA but thankfully I don't remember anything. So glad you're okay!
Thanks so much Lindsey! That's good you don't remember anything about being in DKA!
Mines was 1200 I remember everything I know I walk around just felt like I had the flu I went to icu for 20 days I beat it came back perfect
They kept me in there when I felt good again they still kept me lol
I ended up in DKA on 28tg at 36.4. I was in the hospital from the 28th - 30th. The doctor tending to me knew absolutely nothibg about T1 and I lacked insulin. I went back on my pump and he wanted to continue administering insulin subq. He treat as if I were a T2. I currently have a meeting scheduled on Tuesdayvwith the Chief Medical Officer to dicuss what happened. When I was diagnosed at age 13, I was 54.7 as my diagosis bg.
Omg, it's SO scary how some doctors have no idea about T1D. I'm glad you are having a meeting to talk about this incident, and I'm sorry to hear this happened to you in the first place!
Michelle Lord Thanks, yes it is scary. My nurses were fantastic. The doctor didn't give me enough insulin for my sensitivity factors, or carb ratios. I didn't the right amount until I went back on my pump yet he still wanted to give me insulin via subq. Like uhh NO!
I'm diabetic for over 40 years although i Had high ketones few times over the years (nothing serious, treated with tomato juice), but it was always with sugar over 30 mmol/L, sometimes with sugars over 33.3 (limit of testing machines) ketones levels were normal, I did not know that diabetic can get high ketones at 13, I guess everybody is similar but different. Thanks Michelle for sharing your experience.
I just found this video from looking up type 1 diabetes videos. I'm 25 and only just been newly diagnosed as type 1. When I was admitted to hospital I went in to DKA before I was even diagnosed as diabetic and it was a scary time.
You're not alone. I was diagnosed the beginning of this month and went into dka and had to be put in the ICU for a week. I had no idea I had type one. I thought it was food poisoning . God bless 💙
@@Justgirliethings6 hello how you doing? How you’re managing it? Wanna chat? +526182389717
So glad that you are okay and feeling better! Thanks for sharing as I did not know a lot of those symptoms
Thanks so much. I'm really glad that I could help make you aware of the symptoms :)
Sorry you experienced a DKA! I have had several before getting on a pump and always ended up admitted to intensive care unit.I swear DKA is the worst sickness you will ever experience.Everytime I had it I felt so close to death like I was just holding on.Glad you had caught it in time and had a fast recovery with no hospitalization.
I had my first DKA experience in 30 years of dealing with type-1 last Sunday. 30 years of injections, and only hypoglycemia. Then a month on the t:slim and I wind up in the ICU. I still like the pump, because it practically eliminated crashes, and gave me some time back I used to allocate to meter readings and injections. DKA can come on really fast. If I hadn’t listened to my wife and gone to the ER, I wouldn’t have made it to Monday.
I have been there and survived. I know what the coma is like. Back in July 2017 I started to get signs that I was diabetic, however I did not know it at the time. Gradually I got sicker, and started to slip into a coma. Thankfully my family called an ambulance and I was rushed to hospital. I came so close to dying, and in fact I did die, twice on the emergency room trolley, where they had to use electric shock to my heart to get me back alive. I then fell into a semi state coma. I have no memory at all of this. My first memory was waking up in ICU with a nurse looking at me, and saying "welcome back John". My consultant told me that I was 90% gone, and they took six hours to get me stabilised. I came to close to dying in the hospital, my mother was actually planning my funeral. I was only 32 years of age at the time
Wow 😮 I would’ve never thought of DKA w those numbers. So good to know! I’ve been in ICU a handful of times for dka . Not fun. Some of the worst symptoms ever! I’m glad you’re ok 💙
Thanks Monica! Yes, I'm still in shock that I was so sick with relatively low blood sugars! Who knows what else was going on in my body at the time though. I'm sorry you have been in the ICU with DKA - that is no fun at all :(
That’s crazy. Definitely will learn from your situation. Thanks for sharing !
My sister is now in hospital. She is 22 en just got diagnosed with type 1. She was in DKA for a few weeks now.. she is getting the right treatment now!!
How is she?
@@thatmominjapan7860 doing good! She i finding her way with it and all that comes with it. 😊
So glad that you are okay! I had one day about a year ago where I had some of the symptoms such as nausea/confusion and I just didn't feel good, but I only ended up going to urgent care. I couldn't bring myself to check for ketones and at the time I wasn't on a pump, I just thought it was food poisoning from the night before. Now I know better that when I feel that bad, to definitely go to the er!
Thanks! Yes, it's better to be safe and go to the hospital when we have those symptoms. I'm glad you got yourself to urgent care and were ok!
Wow thankyou for sharing - I will be more aware in future! When I was a teenager I had dka when my blood sugar was low!! But I was really sick with some kind of food poisoning. I didn't really imagine it could happen without an underlying illness :-( glad you're feeling better xoxo
Glad you were able to catch the DKA early, and especially glad that you're feeling better :)
Thanks so much! Yes, I'm glad I caught it before it got worse!
The . Worst. Thing. Ever. I went into DKA 5 Times 30 years ago. I'm very careful now. Almost died 30 years ago by waiting 20 hours to get help. Thank The LORD I'm still here! This was back in the days of no insulin pumps...and finger sticks were pretty new.
So sorry this happened to you but thank you for sharing, it definitely taught me a thing or two and will have my ketone strips closer to hand from now on! Hope you are feeling better xx
Thanks Jen
I've been there myself without ever experiencing complications before. Was hooked up to 4 IVs AND an insulin drip which I wasn't responding to at first which led to a 4 day stay in the ICU...and I never had more than trace amounts of ketones! My Dr said that often times those ketostix are less reliable when you need them the most...I am so glad youre better. I had NO idea I was that bad either. I dont feel highs and lows like I should. I started feeling bad (chest pains and shortness of breath) on a tues and since I hate going to Drs (yea I'm one of those but in my defense I was in the medical field and we make the worst patients) I kept saying I wasnt gonna waste time going for them to tell me I'm fine and it's all in my head. So by that Fri I talked to my step mom and she sounded worried and told me its better to be safe than sorry (my husband died in 2015 from T1D complications) so even tho I wanted to wait out the weekend, I reluctantly went to the ED. This was Oct 2017 (it is now 2019) and of all Fridays it had to be the 13th. Well good thing I went in bc they said had I of waited till Mon like I wanted to, I wouldn't have been alive! I've had 1 other DKA scare and I actually could feel my body shutting down...and the Drs have said once you've been in DKA its easier for it to happen again. Its so important to know the signs and symptoms (if you can still feel them normally) bc the sooner you catch it the better off you'll be and the less of a chance you'll have at causing permanent complications.
That's really scary how quickly it can affect you, especially when you're only 13mmol. I'm glad you highlighted the multiple reasons for DKA, it's easy to assume just bad control. This time last year I had a BG reading of 25mmol following a running event in the cold. Not sure on the cause but I now consider myself very lucky not to enter DKA. Thanks for sharing, pleased you're ok
Thank you! Yes, it is strange because I've been up in the 20's before with no ketones at all, yet this incident caused ketones. SO weird how T1D affects us! I don't think I will ever understand it!
My Sister Helen died from DKA.She had gone to the Doctors a week previously complaining of tummy upset and vomiting and diahorrea.The bastard just sent her home(yes I am angry).
A week later she failed to turn up for her voluntary work which was cooking for the homeless.This was unheard of for my Sister.Her work colleagues rang the police who attended my sisters house.
Her car was on the drive and front door locked from the inside..They broke the door down to discover her in a state of rigor mortis in bed.
It took 3 months for the pathologist report.
I am really hurting right now which is some 4 months now since her passing.She had just turned 52 some 3 weeks earlier.
I single handedly dealt with her estate and cleared her house and organised her funeral and paid for it all and also bought her a grave and headstone.I loved my Sister very dearly.
We were separated as Children and I had only reunited with her over the last 4 years and am glad to say I spoilt her rotten.Birthdays and Christmas and I took her everywhere and even took her on holiday with my partner(another Helen) off 22 years.
It was important to me to do all of the things for her that as a brother I wanted to do.
Admittedly my Sister was a bit cavalier with her condition and should of managed her diabetes better but also her Doctors surgery should of helped her better.
Rest in Peace Helen Jane Wise(Nėe Evans) March 8th 1967- April 4th 2019.
ALWAYS LOVED & NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN.🙏🏻❤️
Thank You for the video upload .Is incremental in my healing.
One day last year my meals all day were very low carb. You can imagine my blood sugar was excellent before bed. But I woke up nauseous and puking, my ketones were off the charts. Simply from not giving enough insulin, even though my sugars weren’t high! Ketones are crazy. So glad you caught it early and you’re doing better!!
Tara Nascimento Oh my gosh, that’s crazy! I don’t eat low carb, so I doubt that’s what happened to me, but I’m glad you shared your story so that I know this is a possibility!
Michelle Lord I definitely don’t go low-carb anymore! 😅
Thankyou for sharing this! Glad you’re feeling better :)
Thank you :) !
Thanks for sharing. I was not aware of these symptoms and seriousness of DKA. I thought the pump was supposed to detect blood. Glad you are doing better.
Thanks!!
Wow...so glad you are feeling better. That is so crazy, like eveyone, I though higher BGs than that. So informative, thank you Michelle.
Thanks so much Gail :)
Thank you 🙏🏻 This was so helpful. I thought you needed very high blood sugar to have DKA ?!? I will definitely be checking my ketones more often (never do)! I’ve also had that blood pouring out of a site 😱😨. Strange.
Thanks for sharing just learned from personal experience about DKA.❤️
Thanks for this video. Just last week my daughter woke up and she needed to pee after breakfast. I’ve been managing her blood sugar pretty good. And I’m paranoid about everything when it comes to her. The night before her blood sugar stayed in the 100 range which Is pretty good but that morning after breakfast, her blood sugar spiked alittle but decided to check her ketones in her urine because I haven’t don’t that in awhile. The shade was the second to the last shade which caused me to panick. This has never happened. I was confused cause her blood sugars had been pretty good. Her doctor increased her basal which helped a whole lot. But I’m so glad she didn’t get to that point. I would’ve been a crying mess because that’s my baby....
My brother is in coma at this moment, both me and him have type 1 diabetic, he has 87 bloodsugar (should be) 6. I just called the emergancy and now its down to 32. But this is just a minor part in this. Now they have to clense hos blood, keep watching vitals regarding his brain, heart and kidneys. Its still very critical and unsure if he will make it. He was found laying on the ground and have been there for atleast 12h since he lives alone. I will visit him soon
Thanks a lot for this video Michelle. Very informative and straight to the point. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 19 years and I have never checked my cetone levels, even after spending several days over 300mg/dl due to sickness. I will be more careful from now on.
My mother is still a little upset at my diabetes nurse at the time of my DKA experience. I had suffered from the flu for a few days prior, nothing major to most people. People get sick. But all of a sudden my BG refused to go down and she called the nurse up who told her to wait it out, it's probably just a severe flu. Later at night, I went into coma and was told after they had gotten me to wake up that I was roughly 15 minutes from death when I came in. That was extremely scary. Unfortunately, I have Brittle Bone Disease as well, so after (sorry for being graphic) the extreme vomiting I had also cracked some ribs so it really took a number on me for quite a bit. I was extremely lucky to still be living at home when it happened.
That experience scares me silly about this Coronavirus thing going around now. I've seen what a "regular" flu can do. Heck, even a cold can bring you into DKA. I know that I wasn't responsive then. I hope I'm responsive for long enough if it would happen while living alone that I could call for help. I try to be particular about my diabetes to the best of my abilities to make sure it doesn't happen, but if you are sick prior it's really difficult to deal with it. Luckily I have a ketone meter but I should really make sure I'm stocked up on non-expired testing strips.
i was in dka a few days ago, and mine was caused because i wasn’t getting any basals
very useful! I know nothing about it really I will read and inform myself and ask my doctor...never made me think about this...thanks Michelle!
I've once had very severe DKA. The nausea and throwing up kept going for a day or two, all the while my diabetes nurse telling me to wait it out, that it's probably just a stomach virus. Eventually I went into some semi-consciousness where I wasn't responsive to stimulus but I was conscious enough to talk myself. When I finally got to the hospital, the doctor said I was an hour or two away from dying since I was already throwing up blood.
Mine did start with a stomach virus and eventually crept up on me during that so it was very difficult to detect.
It wasn't a great experience and I had cramped quite severely so I had cracks in the bones in my legs and stuff from the cramps and throwing up. But with an IV with insulin it soon went away and I could go back to normal.