Understanding Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A Life-Threatening Condition
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe and potentially fatal complication of diabetes that requires urgent attention. It is most prevalent in individuals with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in those with type 2 diabetes.
DKA develops when the body lacks sufficient insulin to transport blood sugar into cells for energy. Without enough insulin, the liver breaks down fat for fuel, producing acids called ketones. When ketones accumulate rapidly in the bloodstream, they can reach toxic levels, leading to serious health risks.
For some, DKA is the first indication of undiagnosed diabetes. If left untreated, DKA can be deadly. Recognizing early symptoms and seeking immediate medical care can save lives.
Early symptoms of diabetes include:
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Drinking more water than usual
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Urinating more than usual
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Eating more than usual but not gaining weight
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) symptoms often come on quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Symptoms might include:
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You are very thirsty
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You urinate often
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You have stomach pain
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You have vomiting and/or severe diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
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You are weak or tired
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You feel sleepy or can’t think clearly.
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You are short of breath
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You have fruity-scented breath
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You are confused
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You can’t keep liquids down for more than 4 hrs.
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You feel too sick to eat normally and are unable to keep down food for more than 24 hours.
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You lose 5 pounds or more during the illness.
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Your temperature is over 101 for 24 hrs.
More-certain signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, which can show up in home blood and urine test kits include:
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High blood sugar level
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High ketone levels in urine
When to see a doctor:
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If you feel ill or stressed or you've had a recent illness or injury, check your blood sugar level often.
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You might also try a urine ketone test kit you can get at a drugstore.
Contact your health care provider right away if:
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You're throwing up and can't keep down food or liquid
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Your blood sugar level is higher than your target range and doesn't respond to home treatment
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Your urine ketone level is moderate or high
Seek emergency care if:
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Your blood sugar level is higher than 300 mg/dL.
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You have ketones in your urine and can't reach your health care provider for advice.
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You have many symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (see above).
Causes of DKA:
Very high blood sugar and low insulin levels lead to DKA. The two most common causes are:
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Illness. When you get sick, you may not be able to eat or drink as much as usual, which can make blood sugar levels hard to manage.
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Missing insulin shots, a clogged insulin pump, or the wrong insulin dose.
Source Information:
The details provided above are sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mayo Clinic, ensuring reliable and authoritative information.