Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening.
DKA is most common among people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA.
DKA develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into your cells for use as energy.
Instead, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, a process that produces acids called ketones. When too many ketones
are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body.
DKA can be the first sign of diabetes in people who haven't been diagnosed yet. Untreated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can lead to death.
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.
Note:
The information above has been extracted from the CDC and from the Mayo Clinic.