DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS
DEFINITION
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication in patients with untreated diabetes mellitus (chronic high blood sugar or hyperglycemia). Near complete deficiency of insulin and elevated levels of certain stress hormones combine to cause DKA. DKA is more common among Type I diabetics, but may also occur in Type II diabetics generally when physiologically stressed, such as during an infection. Patients with new, undiagnosed Type I diabetes frequently present to hospitals with DKA. DKA can also occur in a known diabetic who fails to take prescribed insulin. DKA was a major cause of death in Type I diabetics before insulin injections were available; untreated DKA has a high mortality rate.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
-Sluggish, extreme tiredness.
-Fruity (Ketone) smell to breath/compare to nail polish remover, similar to peardrops.
-Extreme thirst, despite large fluid intake.
-Constant urination
-Extreme weight-loss.
-Oral Thrush may be present, or/ yeast infections that fail to go away
-Muscle wasting.
-Agitation / Irritation / Aggression / Confusion
PATTERNS AND FORMULAS
1. HEAT ENTERS PC
thirst, drinking lots of water, unclear mental status, delirious speech, ketone smell in breathing, red tongue, dry coating, thready rapid pulse
Shi Gao 30-45g
Zhi Mu 18g
Zhi Gan Cao 6g
Geng Mi 18g
2. YIN DEFICIENCY LEADING WIND
thirst with drinking lots of water, copious urination, dry skin, increased wrinkles
Zhi Gan Cao 18g
Sheng Di Huang 18g
Bai Shao 18g
Mai Men Dong 15g
E Jiao 9g
Huo Ma Ren 9g
Mu Li 15g
Bie Jia 24g
Gui Ban 30g
3. EXTREME YIN DEFICIENCY
thirst, drinking lots of water, extreme fatigue, difficult breathing, unclear mental status, red tongue, dry coating, faint pulse
Ren Shen 9-15g
Mai Men Dong 9-12g
Wu Wei Zi 3-6g
4. EMPIRICAL FORMULA: Benefit Qi/Yin, Clear Heat
Huang Qi 20g
Sheng Di 15g
Shan Yao 15g
Xuan Shen 17.5g
Huang Qin 7.5g
Huang Lian 7.5g
Chuan Xiong 7.5g
Huang Bai 7.5g
Chi Shao 7.5g
Cang Zhu 10g
Zhi Zi 10g
Fu Ling 10g
Dang Gui 10g
Mu Li 25g