Casey Johnson Died from Complications of Diabetes

Casey Johnson, the deceased Johnson & Johnson heiress died of 'Diabetic Ketoacidosis,' considered natural causes, according to the Los Angeles Coroner's Office on February 4, 2010. Johnson had been found dead in her Hollywood residence on January 5, 2010.Johnson had reportedly been diagnosed with diabetes when she was a young child. The 30 year old socialite had reportedly not been keeping up with the necessary program of insulin and exercise needed to keep the serious disease under control

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is associated with Type I Diabetes, according to the National Institute of Health, NIH, website. Type I diabetes is a lifelong condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. The disease, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, is most often diagnosed in children or young adults.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is often the first symptom of diabetes, but it can also be a the result of increased insulin need for someone who already has been diagnosed with type I diabetes. Conditions such as infection, trauma, heart attack or surgery can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Missing doses of insulin can also lead to ketoacidosis in people who already have diabetes.

The condition occurs with the body cannot process sugar because it either has no insulin or not enough insulin. When this happens fat is used instead of sugar for fuel. Ketones, which are byproducts of fat breakdown build up in the body. In high levels the ketones build up in the blood and urine. High levels of ketones are poisonous, a condition called ketoacidosis.

The treatment goals of diabetes are to reduce symptoms and prevent complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputation of the limbs and heart disease. A doctor need to monitor diabetes and will recommend the a nutrition plan and instruct the patient on insulin and how to manage the disease.

There are symptoms that this condition is becoming serious, which include deep and rapid breathing, dry skin and mouth, flushed face fruity breath odor, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, frequent urination, frequent thirst, mental stupor, headache and lack of appetite.

People with these symptoms, particularly if they have already been diagnosed with diabetes, should contact their doctor for instructions and treatment.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a symptoms of a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resources
L.A. Coroners Office per CNN report
National Institute of Health

Related Articles
Diabetes on the Increase According to NIH
No Carbohydrate Diets Best at Controlling Type 2 Diabetes
Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Disease
People with Heart Disease and Arthritis May Avoid Exercise
The Mayo Clinic Diet Plan: Healthy Nutrition and Exercise