Learn About Diabetic Ketoacidosis

What is the definition of 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.

What are the alternative names for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

DKA; Ketoacidosis; Diabetes - ketoacidosis

What are the causes of Diabetic 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.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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
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What are the current treatments for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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.

Who are the top Diabetic Ketoacidosis Local Doctors?
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
Madison, WI 
 6.5 mi

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.

451 Junction Rd, 
Madison, WI 
 9.6 mi
Accepting New Patients

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.

 
 
 
 
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University Of Wisconsin Medical Foundation Inc

451 Junction Rd, 
Madison, WI 
 9.6 mi
Accepting New Patients

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.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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.

What are the possible complications of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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
When should I contact a medical professional for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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
How do I prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

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.

What are the latest Diabetic Ketoacidosis Clinical Trials?
Continuous Ketone Monitoring in Participants With Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Using SGLT2 Inhibitors as Adjunctive Therapy

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 ...

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PS230005 Control-IQ 1.5 Post-Approval Study

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.

What are the Latest Advances for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Intravenous Fluid Prescription in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Where is the Evidence?
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Serum Phosphorus and Hypophosphatemia During Therapy of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children: Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort 2016-2022.
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of care in diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S20-S42. PMID: 38078589 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078589/.

Atkinson MA, Mcgill DE, Dassau E, Laffel L. Type 1 diabetes. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 36.

Maloney GE, Glauser JM. Diabetes mellitus and disorders of glucose homeostasis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 115.