Users Manual

Living with Diabetes 13
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13 Living with Diabetes
Possible causes of
hyperglycemia
Suggested action
Weight loss or gain
or menstrual cycle
or pregnancy
Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Pods use rapid-acting insulin, so you have no long-acting insulin in your body. If
insulin delivery from the Pod is interrupted (an occlusion), your blood glucose
can rise rapidly and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious—but
preventable—emergency that can occur if you ignore high blood glucose levels.
Warnings:
If le untreated, DKA can cause breathing diculties, shock, coma, and
eventually death.
If you need emergency attention, ask a friend or family member to take you
to the emergency room or call an ambulance. Do not drive yourself.
Symptoms of DKA
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Dry skin or tongue
• Drowsiness
• Rapid pulse
• Labored breathing
e symptoms of DKA are much like those of the u. Before assuming you have
the u, check your blood glucose and check for ketones to rule out DKA.
To avoid DKA
e easiest and most reliable way to avoid DKA is by checking your blood glucose
at least 4–6 times a day. Routine checks allow you to identify and treat high blood
glucose before DKA develops.