BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-252: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

Prof. Name:

Date

Assessment and Identification of Diabetes in Patients

After evaluating a patient’s level of consciousness and vital signs, identifying whether the patient is diabetic is a critical next step. This is especially true when medical personnel detect a fruity odor in the patient’s breath, a symptom associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a life-threatening complication of diabetes resulting from excessive ketone production, which leads to blood acidification (CDC, 2021; Saladin, 2019). Prompt identification of diabetes allows healthcare providers to implement immediate medical interventions to address the condition effectively.

Relationship Between Blood Sugar Levels and Consciousness

Hypoglycemia

A hypoglycemic patient may exhibit decreased consciousness due to insufficient glucose levels, which deprives the body of its primary energy source. This condition leads to symptoms like weakness, dehydration, confusion, dizziness, or unconsciousness (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Hypoglycemia is often caused by diabetes treatments, such as insulin or other glucose-lowering medications (Saladin, 2019).

Hyperglycemia

Conversely, hyperglycemia involves abnormally high blood glucose levels, which thickens the blood and can result in life-threatening dehydration and diabetic coma if untreated. Severe hyperglycemia may progress to DKA, marked by the body’s use of fat for energy, leading to excessive ketone production (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).

Ketones, Fruity Breath, and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The presence of fruity breath in a diabetic patient signals elevated ketone levels in the blood, a hallmark of DKA. When the body lacks glucose for energy, it metabolizes fats, resulting in ketone production. Acetone, a ketone with a sweet smell, contributes to the fruity breath odor and serves as a warning sign of potential diabetic coma or organ damage (CDC, 2021). If left untreated, the accumulation of ketones increases blood acidity, exacerbating the risk of severe complications.

BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

Table: Blood Sugar Abnormalities and Clinical Implications

Condition	Key Symptoms and Causes	Potential Complications
Hypoglycemia	Low blood glucose levels, resulting in hunger, dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness; often caused by insulin or glucose-lowering medications (Mayo Clinic, 2020).	Reduced consciousness, dehydration, and severe weakness requiring immediate glucose administration.
Hyperglycemia	High blood glucose levels, causing blood thickening and dehydration; leads to increased sugar filtering through the kidneys (Saladin, 2019; Cleveland Clinic, 2020).	Diabetic coma, organ damage, and progression to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)	Excessive ketone production due to fat metabolism; fruity breath smell (caused by acetone), nausea, and confusion (CDC, 2021).	Severe blood acidification, organ damage, diabetic coma, and death without urgent medical intervention.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 25). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabeticketoacidosis.html

Cleveland Clinic. (2020, December 2). Diabetic coma: Causes, risk factors, treatment & prevention. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16628-diabetic-coma