A/N: The story arc I'm currently working on is one of the hardest things I've written. Diabetic ketoacidosis is probably one of the most feared short-term problems associated with the condition. After 2 – 4 hours without insulin, the body uses up all available sugar and starts breaking down fat and protein. A few hours after that, the fat and protein can't be broken down properly and its turned into acetone (nail polish remover) and a few chemical cousins. The process of making acetone also results in excess acid being released into the blood. Symptoms include the thirst/frequent urination associated with high blood sugar, as well as exhaustion, vomiting, deep breathing (crazy, but I swear its true) and a loss of focus. Without treatment (insulin, first and foremost, but also bed rest and fluids), a person first goes into a coma and eventually dies.
In case you're worried, I think living with a chronic disease is worse than dying from one. And killing off the character wouldn't be cannon. And I have a HUGE crush on Thomas Grant Gustin.
Oh God. He is going to vomit.
He throws the covers off his body and stumbles out of bed in haze. The first wave of nausea hits before he makes it to the toilet. He doubles over the sink and heaves.
Vomiting up liquid feels strange.
The first wave ends, and he manages to make it the few feet to the toilet. He sinks to his knees.
The second round is as bad as the first. His mouth tastes like lemon juice mixed with bile.
His body tries to purge everything from his stomach.
He is cold. He was too tired last night to change into his pajamas, so he fell asleep in his boxers. He pulls his towel down from the bar next to the shower and wraps it around his shoulders.
He dry heaves. Every muscle in his body trembles with the effort to rid itself of the acid in his gut.
The worst is over, so he reaches out to flush.
His hand trembles.
His mouth tastes like bile.
His throat burns.
He thinks about getting up, but instead curls up in a ball on the bathroom rug. He is so tired. He will get up in a minute… he is just going to close his eyes.
Then, he will get up and brush his teeth and pee.
He breathes deeply.
He tries to count to ten.
One. Two. Three…
Does four or five come next?
Four… Five… Six
Seven… Eight…
… Nine…
… Ten…
He feels himself loosing consciousness.
Just a little nap.
Then, he will get up.
Then, he will take control.