Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious problem for people with diabetes. It happens when there isn’t enough insulin, so the body can’t use sugar for energy. Instead, the body uses fat, which makes chemicals called ketones. Too many ketones can make the blood very acidic and dangerous. If untreated, it can result in coma and death.

Doctors use these signs to diagnose DKA:

  • High blood sugar (more than 200 mg/dL)
  • High levels of ketones in the blood or urine
  • Blood that is too acidic (pH less than 7.30)

DKA is most common in people with type 1 diabetes who don’t have their condition under control. About one-third of kids with type 1 diabetes have DKA when they are first diagnosed. The main causes of DKA are infections (like pneumonia) and stopping insulin treatment. Some diabetes medicines can also increase the risk of DKA. People with type 2 diabetes can get DKA too, usually when they are sick, stressed or their diabetes is uncontrolled.

It’s important to recognize DKA early and treat it quickly in a hospital to prevent serious problems.

 

Know the signs of DKA and get help right away!