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Home /
Quick Facts: Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders /
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Disorders of Blood Sugar Metabolism /
... /
Alcoholic Ketoacidosis /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is alcoholic ketoacidosis?

What causes alcoholic ketoacidosis?

What are the symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis?

How can doctors tell if I have alcoholic ketoacidosis?

How do doctors treat alcoholic ketoacidosis?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Disorders of Blood Sugar Metabolism
Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Drug Treatment of Diabetes
Alcoholic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hypoglycemia
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State

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Quick Facts

Alcoholic Ketoacidosis

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Sep 2019
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Get the full details

What is alcoholic ketoacidosis?

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a problem caused by drinking a lot of alcohol without eating food. It can happen to people who binge-drink alcohol.

What causes alcoholic ketoacidosis?

If you drink a large amount of alcohol, get sick to your stomach, throw up, and can't eat or drink for a day or more:

  • Your blood sugar (glucose) levels drop

  • Your body makes less insulin to help your cells use blood sugar for energy

  • Your cells start burning fat for energy instead

  • Broken down fat goes to the liver and is made into ketones (acids)

  • The acid level in your blood goes up

What are the symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis?

Symptoms include:

  • Extreme thirst

  • Feeling sick to your stomach

  • Throwing up

  • Belly pain

  • Deep, fast breathing

How can doctors tell if I have alcoholic ketoacidosis?

Doctors suspect alcoholic ketoacidosis from your symptoms and your alcohol use. To know for sure, doctors will do:

  • Blood and urine tests

How do doctors treat alcoholic ketoacidosis?

Doctors treat alcoholic ketoacidosis with:

  • Thiamin (a type of B vitamin), given by vein (IV)

  • IV fluids (containing glucose if the blood sugar is low) and electrolytes (minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that help with many important body functions)

  • Insulin only if your blood sugar goes too high with treatment

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Drug Treatment of Diabetes
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
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