Ketoacidosis

If hyperglycemia is untreated and blood glucose levels rise very high, it can result in a serious condition called ketoacidosis. This only occurs in insulin-dependent diabetes. If blood glucose levels stay high but there isn't enough insulin to convert it into energy for the cells, the body will starve and start burning its own reserves of fat for fuel. This process produces chemicals called ketones which become toxic in high concentrations and which are detectable in the urine.

The person with diabetes becomes poisoned by these ketones and may, ultimately, fall  into a coma. If he didn't receive medical treatment, he would die.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

• Abnormal thirst and urination.
• Thrush and skin infections.
• Fruity or winey aroma on the breath.
• Tiredness and drowsiness.
• Hot skin.
• Blurred vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.