Diabetic ketoacidosis is a very serious medical condition that can prove to be fatal to the individual suffering from it. Many assume that this condition affects only those who experience some form of diabetes, however this simply is not true. Anyone is susceptible to acquiring this condition. While it is true that those who experience diabetes that is considered "type 1" are more likely to get it, there are other situations that may result in the development of this serious medical condition. Individuals who experience extremely severe levels of dehydration, serious bacterial and/or viral infections, and those who experience similar illnesses may develop this ketoacidosis.

In order to effectively understand this condition, you must first understand a few simple necessities of the body. The human body depends on glucose that is contained within the blood. Many refer to glucose as "sugar". This is an appropriate reference. This substance is absolutely necessary when it comes to providing "fuel", or "energy" that the body requires to properly maintain itself. If the glucose levels become low in the body, the healthy cells will zoom in on the fat that is stored in the body, as well as the muscles. Slowly, it will break these areas down in order to develop the energy that is required for basic human maintenance.

As the body continues to break down these components, the bloodstream becomes overwhelmed with ketones. Ketones are small deposits of acid that are considered to be "fatty". This results in a natural imbalance of the substances and chemicals that are produced within the healthy human body. Many medical professionals refer to this as "metabolic acidosis". The individuals most susceptible to this condition are those that are infected with high levels of a bacterium or virus. This condition has been found in individuals that suffer from high levels of severe dehydration as well. Naturally, those that experience diabetes may also suffer from this form of ketoacidosis.

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate that an individual is experiencing ketoacidosis directly related to glucose levels in the body. Research has established that many people fail to experience symptoms until the glucose levels are displaying drastic figures in the body. The following details some signs and symptoms that may be associated with this devastating condition:

• One of the first symptoms that appear with this glucose condition appears in the skin. A person may seem pale or flushed. In addition to this, the skin may feel extremely hot and dry to the touch. Many individuals may even notice dryness in the lip area.

• When the chemicals in the body are drastically imbalanced, the vision may become affected. With this particular condition, it is not uncommon for an individual to experience blurred vision that is very troublesome.

• Many diabetics experience symptoms that are directly related to the smell of the breathe. This symptom is also present when the glucose levels in the body are at dangerous levels. The breath is almost always described as "sweet smelling".

• Many that experience this medical complication may feel extremely tired for no apparent reason. This may result in sleeping too much, or lack of interest in basic activities that were once enjoyed. For many, both of these situations are experienced.

• People who experience this condition may have no interest in eating, and may actually become physically sick.

• In severe cases, an individual may appear to be extremely confused, and/or disoriented.

If you experience diabetic ketoacidosis, there are some methods that can be used to prevent and treat this condition. The first preventive step that you can take is to ensure that you carefully monitor your blood glucose levels. If you take insulin, it is important to stay on top of these treatments. If you must visit a hospital for the condition, you will be admitted and provided with saline solution fluid to ensure proper hydration, as well as glucose to even out the imbalance that is occurring in your body. It is important to know and understand that this may not be a quick process, but it is an effective one.