Diabetes can lead to many different health problems. One of these problems is diabetic ketoacidosis. The lack of insulin in your body can cause your body to use fat as fuel for your muscles. In turn, this can cause ketones, or blood acids, to build up in your blood and create a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Signs of ketoacidosis can occur suddenly and develop quickly. You could have ketoacidosis if you suffer from:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Weakness, fatigue,
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Fruity scented breath
Additionally, you may have high blood sugar or high blood ketones. You may be able to confirm your blood sugar and blood ketone levels through at-home blood and urine tests.
Whether or not you have home tests available, you should get immediate medication attention if you experience any of the symptoms described above. Be sure to tell your doctor about any diabetes medications that you are taking, including SGLT2 inhibitors medications such as Invokana.
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public and medical professionals that SGLT2 inhibitors could cause diabetic ketoacidosis. The agency encouraged people taking SGLT2 inhibitors to be aware of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis and encouraged doctors to consider diabetic ketoacidosis for anyone taking SGLT2 inhibitors who presents with the symptoms described above. This safety issue was added to the drugs’ labels to raise awareness about the risk.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment
The FDA encourages anyone with symptoms of ketoacidosis to stop taking their SGLT2 inhibitor and to seek medical attention. Your doctor will diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis after a physical exam and blood tests that measure your blood sugar level, ketone level, and blood acidity.
Once diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed, your doctor may suggest:
- Fluids to prevent dehydration and reduce blood sugar levels
- Electrolytes to keep your heart, muscles, and nerves functioning
- Insulin to reverse the ketoacidosis
You may be hospitalized until your levels return to normal and a long-term plan is developed to help manage your diabetes and prevent future episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Complications
Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to significant health complications, such as:
- Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar levels can result in a condition known as hypoglycemia. Without treatment, hypoglycemia can result in seizures, falls, and fatalities.
- Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia means that your potassium level is low. Low potassium levels can interfere with your heart’s rhythm and cause muscle weakness.
- Cerebral edema. A cerebral edema occurs when fluid gathers in the brain and causes swelling. A prompt diagnosis is necessary to prevent lasting problems.
- Pulmonary edema. When fluid gathers in the lungs, it is known as a pulmonary edema. A pulmonary edema can make it difficult to breathe. Treatment is often necessary to prevent serious complications.
- Kidney and organ damage. Fluid loss can cause acute and lasting damage to your kidneys and other internal organs.
- Death. Many of the medical conditions described above can lead to death.
Prompt treatment can help reduce these risks and improve a person’s prognosis.
Was Your Diabetic Ketoacidosis Caused By Invokana?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a diabetes complication that most commonly affects people with type 1 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes that was treated by Invokana and you developed diabetic ketoacidosis, then it is important to talk to an experienced mass tort lawyer about your legal options. You may be able to pursue a legal case and to recover damages for the injuries that you suffered.
To learn more about your rights and your potential recovery, please contact our experienced mass tort lawyers today. We would be happy to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with you, but you have to take action quickly before your time to take legal action expires. If you live in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire and you have been diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis after using Invokana, then please call us, fill out our online contact form, or start a live chat with us now to get started.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by dangerous drugs you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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