Diabetic Ketoacidosis Overview
Learn About Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body starts breaking down fat at a rate that is much too fast. The liver processes the fat into a fuel called ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic.
DKA; Ketoacidosis; Diabetes - ketoacidosis
DKA happens when the signal from insulin in the body is so low that:
- Blood sugar (glucose) can't go into cells to be used as a fuel source.
- The liver makes a large amount of glucose.
- Fat is broken down too rapidly for the body to process.
The fat is broken down by the liver into a fuel called ketones. Ketones are normally produced by the liver when the body breaks down fat after it has been a long time since your last meal. These ketones are normally used by the muscles and the heart. When ketones are produced too quickly and build up in the blood, they can be toxic by making the blood acidic. This condition is known as ketoacidosis.
DKA is sometimes the first sign of type 1 diabetes in people who have not yet been diagnosed. It can also occur in someone who has already been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Infection, injury, a serious illness, missing doses of insulin shots, or the stress of surgery can lead to DKA in people with type 1 diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA, but it is much less common and less severe. It is usually triggered by prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar, missing doses of medicines, or a severe illness or infection.
Common symptoms of DKA can include:
- Decreased alertness
- Deep, rapid breathing
- Dehydration
- Dry skin and mouth
- Flushed face
- Frequent urination or thirst that lasts for a day or more
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness or aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
The goal of treatment is to correct the high blood sugar level with insulin. Another goal is to replace fluids and bodily chemicals lost through urination, loss of appetite, and vomiting if you have these symptoms.
If you have diabetes, it is likely your health care provider told you how to spot the warning signs of DKA. If you think you have DKA, test for ketones using urine strips. Some glucose meters can also measure blood ketones. If ketones are present, contact your provider right away. Do not delay. Follow any instructions you are given.
It is likely that you will need to go to the hospital. There, you will receive insulin, fluids, and other treatment for DKA. Then providers will also search for and treat the cause of DKA, such as an infection.
Daniel Principe is an Internal Medicine provider in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Principe and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Glycogen Storage Disease Type 6, Hygroma Cervical, Cystic Hygroma, and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
Maheswaran Dhanasekaran is an Endocrinologist in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Dhanasekaran and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Hypothyroidism, Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy, Newborn Low Blood Sugar, and Islet Cell Transplantation. Dr. Dhanasekaran is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Wisconsin Medical Foundation Inc
Samantha Pabich is an Endocrinologist in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Pabich and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Her top areas of expertise are Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis, Diabetes Insipidus (DI), and Familial Hypopituitarism. Dr. Pabich is currently accepting new patients.
Most people respond to treatment within 24 hours. Sometimes, it takes longer to recover.
If DKA is not treated, it can lead to severe illness or death.
Health problems that may result from DKA include any of the following:
- Fluid buildup in the brain (cerebral edema)
- Heart stops working (cardiac arrest)
- Kidney failure
DKA is a medical emergency. Contact your provider if you notice symptoms of DKA.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you or a family member with diabetes has any of the following:
- Decreased consciousness
- Fruity breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble breathing
If you have diabetes, learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of DKA. Know when to test for ketones, such as when you are sick.
If you use an insulin pump, check often to see that insulin is flowing through the tubing. Make sure the tube is not blocked, kinked or disconnected from the pump.
Summary: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the body is unable to effectively use glucose for energy, resulting in high blood sugar levels. This leads to a lifelong need for intensive insulin therapy to manage blood sugar and prevent complications arising from elevated blood glucose levels. When insulin is ...
Summary: This 522 post-market surveillance study is a single-arm, decentralized prospective observational cohort study designed to collect safety data on Control-IQ technology v1.5 in children with type 1 diabetes ages 2 to \<6 years old. Participants will use Control-IQ technology v1.5 for 12 months in the real-world setting.
Published Date: February 10, 2023
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Internal review and update on 02/20/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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