How, if you can, do you tell the difference between DKA and Ketones? I mean, without the Hospital trip and all.
You can't. Ketones being present does not necessarily constitute DKA but the abundance of ketones can lead to acidosis. Potassium and bicarbonate levels are also affected during DKA. The lack of insulin in the body contributes to the production of ketones which in turn can lead to acidosis.
Does that mean as long as you're getting insulin you're fine?
No. If you have acidosis than you need treatment other than insulin.
When diagnosed, is it likely that the person has acidosis?
Not in all cases but it is something that they look for.
Does that mean I didn't if the only thing I was treated with was insulin?
you can still get ketones and eventually acidosis even with insulin because it's possible you aren't getting enough insulin or (for some reason) your body may not be using it correctly. you really can't tell on your own whether or not you're acidotic, but you will have symptoms of ketones. most people get very ill with acidosis, which is why they say if you begin vomiting or having other more severe symptoms, you need to go to the hospital. if you have ketones and they don't go away with your normal treatments, you should always contact a doctor because they might be able to give you better advice about how to take care of it.
Possible.
I understand why I'm instructed to check for ketones when my blood sugar is high twice in a row. But why, then, am I told to check when sick?
Sickness leads to elevated blood sugars so to monitor and maintain their presence is why you would want to check for them when sick.
But what's the point in having both rules? Like I have a cold today, and the highest I've been is 178. So why would I check for ketones, then?
well i go imto DKA all the time like every 3 months. But its better now though and like when i get a common cold or something i go into DKA also too, so i have to be careful of alot of things i do. Hope you feel better.
If you are sick there is a greater increase in the chance in the presence of ketones. Being sick and having high blood sugars aren't mutally exclusive.
So even if your blood sugar isn't high, you can still have ketones - or vice versa?
Ketones appear after fasting, dehydration, and drinking as well.
So, no? Is it possible to have ketones without high blood sugars?
tis possible to see them appear without high blood sugars but in our case it is likely we are experiencing high sugars a majority of the time
Was everyone else taught this when diagnosed?
I have another question :P Sorry.
Are the blood sugars fairly high, like 400, 500, etc. for an extended period of time, or just like 200 or 300 even?
And then, if you are only, say, 300 for an extended period of time - given you develop trace ketones, does it remain trace ketones unless the blood sugar goes higher? Or does a constant high, regardless of level, build on ketones?