Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) happens when the body does not have enough insulin and can't use the sugar it needs for energy. When the body can't use sugar for energy, it starts to use fat for energy. This process makes fatty acids called ketones. The ketones build up in the blood and change the chemical balance in your body.
This problem can be very dangerous and needs to be treated. Without treatment, it can lead to a coma or death.
DKA occurs most often in people with type 1 diabetes. But people with type 2 diabetes also can get it. DKA can be caused by many things. It can happen if you don't take enough insulin. It can also happen if you have an infection or illness like the flu. Sometimes it happens if you are very dehydrated.
DKA can only be treated in a hospital with insulin and fluids. These are often given in a vein (I.V.).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening blood chemical (electrolyte) imbalance that develops in a person with diabetes when the cells do not get the sugar (glucose) they need for energy. As a result, the body breaks down fat instead of glucose and produces and releases substances called ketones into the bloodstream.
People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes are at risk for DKA if they do not take enough insulin, have a severe infection or other illness, or become severely dehydrated.
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:
Severe diabetic ketoacidosis can cause difficulty breathing, brain swelling (cerebral edema), coma, or death.
Treatment involves giving insulin and fluids through a vein (I.V.) while being closely monitored in the hospital.
Early symptoms of DKA include increased thirst and urination, high blood sugar, and high ketone levels. Other symptoms are breath that smells fruity and trouble staying awake. Belly pain, vomiting, and feeling confused are also symptoms. Anyone who has these symptoms needs emergency treatment.
If the symptoms of DKA are severe, you may need to be treated in an intensive care unit. Treatment includes fluids and insulin given through a vein (intravenous, or I.V.). Fluids treat dehydration and balance electrolytes. Insulin lowers blood sugar and keeps the body from producing ketones.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. You will also have tests, including blood and urine tests.
To reduce your chance of ketoacidosis:
If you know your blood sugar is high, treat it before it gets worse.
DKA is caused by your body not having enough insulin. It can happen if you don't take enough insulin. It can also happen if your body is under stress, such as when you are ill or have an infection. Sometimes it happens if your body loses too much fluid (dehydration).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious problem that can occur with diabetes. It happens when the body doesn't have enough insulin and can't use the sugar needed for energy. The body uses fat for energy instead. This makes ketones, which build up in the blood. Without treatment, this can lead to coma or death.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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