Poor diabetic control can sometimes lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is an extremely serious condition which can result in diabetic coma and even death. It is caused by not enough sugar getting into body cells resulting in a breakdown of fat and muscle for energy leading to production of ketones or fatty acids.
The condition can occur if one fails to take their insulin. It may also be due if a severe infection develops or some other serious medical condition.
In such cases, the blood sugar level can be quite high and symptoms may include excessive urination, feeling very thirsty, great weakness and difficulty staying awake, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and mental changes such as confusion. Also, laboratory tests will show evidence of increased levels of ketones.
If one has these symptoms, hospitalization is necessary. Treatment consists of giving enough insulin and fluids intravenously to lower the sugar level and correct the acidosis level in the blood.
If one meets the social security requirements for this condition, then there is a good chance that benefits will be granted. The requirement states that acidosis must occur on the average of once every 2 months. This evidence must be supported by your doctor’s progress notes.