Metabolic Acidosis in Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis

Metabolic acidosis is a medical condition in which an abnormal acid-base balance develops causing a higher level of acidity in the blood. It is a condition that is more prevalent in those afflicted with diabetes.

Causes

• Metabolic acidosis is caused by the ingestion of toxic substances, diabetes, kidney failure and shock.

Symptoms

• The symptoms commonly associated with metabolic acidosis include: rapid breathing, confusion, headache, lethargy and coma.

Diagnosis

• Metabolic acidosis is usually diagnosed by measuring the pH level of blood obtained from an artery.

Treatment

• Treatment for those with diabetes usually involves controlling the disease through the use of insulin and the infusion of fluids in severe, acute cases.

Prognosis

• If not treated, metabolic acidosis can lead to kidney failure and even death.