What causes lactic acidosis in diabetics?

As we all know, diabetes comes with a bunch of potential complications. From neuropathy to retinopathy and everything in between. But did you know that lactic acidosis is also a possible complication? What even is lactic acidosis? And what could possibly be causing it?! Well sugar, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the strange world of lactate production!

Understanding Lactic Acidosis

Before we can understand what causes this mysterious affliction, let’s talk about what it actually is! Lactic acidosis occurs when there’s an excessive build-up of lactate in your bloodstream. This can lead to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to full-blown coma (yikes).

This condition often arises as a result of our cells not getting enough oxygen- which leads them to switch from aerobic respiration (breaking down glucose with O2) to anaerobic respiration (breaking down glucose without O2)- thus resulting in the accumulation of lactate.

But wait! There’s more!

Diabetes’ Role In All Of This

Now that we’ve got the basics outta the way let’s talk about how ole mr.dibby-diabetes plays into all this chaos.

For starters: DIABETICS HAVE HIGHER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS THAN NON-DIABETICS (who woulda thought???).

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels over time leading us diabetics at higher risk for ALL SORTS OF FUN STUFF including but not limited tooooo:

• Retinopathy
• Neuropathy
• Erectile dysfunction
• AND – yup you guessed it- LACTIC ACIDOSIS #PARTYTIME

High levels oof insulin coupled w/ high amounts oooostress hormones such as cortisol & adrenaline contribute 2 the development of lactic acidosis. This can be due to a deficiency in diabetes medication, severe dehydration and excessive alcohol, among other things.

Medication Mishap

So let me break it down for you: A lot of oral diabetic medications such as metformin specifically interact with the liver. They work by preventing the liver from over-producing glucose; this keeps our blood sugars levels under control. But when there’s a problem w/the kidneys they’re not able 2 excrete metformin properly – this then leads to an excess accumulation which- you guessed it ~~more party time~~ results in lactic acidosis

(sidenote: I’m sure we all remember studying cellular respiration at some point right?! Well during exercise- when our muscles are working extra hard vs chilling on the couch eating ice cream #mirrorsighs & fist pumps- lactate is produced (drink every time I say lactate) At normal levels airInTheBloodSteamed spinach #Boring but too much oofit?? Can lead 2 that childhood nightmares episode where u have strange chest pains & think ur dying)

Ok no more side tangents; back to your regularly scheduled programming:

On top of that, certain drugs like aspirin and mephentermine (a medication used during anesthesia) can inhibit how effectively lactate clears out of our systems after being produced (~slow clap~) thus leading once again to #partyyyyyyytime

Kidney Catastrophe

Lactatacidosis is also something diabetics whoo experience renal(kidney failures)& hepatic disease(liver damage). Said illnesses drastically reduction metabolic pathways through which accumulated lacctte could enter thereby increasing levels oooflactcccte in thuhhhhhhhh system… Are you tired yet? Because I am(lies).

The Bottom Line

Lactic acidosis is yet another (less talked about) potential complication of diabetes. While there are several possible causes, it’s important to remember that proper management of blood sugar levels and adherence to medication regimens can help prevent the development oooooooofff #partytimmmeee!

It’s always best to keep a lookout for symptoms such as lethargy or body aches & get in touch with your medical doctor should you feel concerned.

Stay safe out there team!

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