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Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Emergency
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a life-threatening diabetes complication in which insufficient insulin leads to ketone accumulation and increased blood acidity. It occurs most often in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2 diabetes. Warning signs include thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, and increasing drowsiness or confusion. Suspected DKA requires emergency assessment.
Body System
Neck & Thyroid
Emergency Medical Attention
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Seek emergency medical attention for high blood glucose with repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, severe dehydration, marked weakness, confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. Do not delay care while attempting to manage severe symptoms at home.
Symptoms
4
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a life-threatening diabetes complication in which insufficient insulin leads to ketone accumulation and increased blood acidity. It occurs most often in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2 diabetes. Warning signs include thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, and increasing drowsiness or confusion. Suspected DKA requires emergency assessment.
Symptoms 4
Blood In Vomit
Frequent Sweating
Heat Intolerance
Vomiting
Causes 2
When effective insulin is insufficient, the body breaks down fat and produces ketones that can accumulate in the blood. Infection or another illness, missed insulin, and problems with insulin delivery can precipitate DKA. It can also be the first sign of previously undiagnosed diabetes.
Genetics
Insulin Resistance
Risk Factors
Risk is greater when diabetes is accompanied by insufficient insulin, acute illness, or disrupted insulin delivery. Some medicines, including SGLT2 inhibitors, can increase DKA risk. DKA is not restricted to people who already know they have diabetes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Clinicians assess glucose, ketones—particularly blood beta-hydroxybutyrate—and blood acidity using pH or bicarbonate. Electrolytes, kidney function, and possible precipitants are also evaluated. Diagnosis depends on the combined findings, not glucose alone: DKA can occur without markedly elevated glucose.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
People with diabetes can reduce risk by following their existing prescribed care plan, monitoring glucose as advised, and having an agreed plan for illness
That plan should explain when to check ketones and when to contact the healthcare team or seek urgent help
Prevention Guidance
People with diabetes can reduce risk by following their existing prescribed care plan, monitoring glucose as advised, and having an agreed plan for illness. That plan should explain when to check ketones and when to contact the healthcare team or seek urgent help.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Water
Helps maintain hydration.
Vegetable Soup
Provides fluids and nutrients.
Electrolyte Drinks
Help restore fluid balance.
Foods to Avoid
Sugary Drinks
May worsen hyperglycemia.
Processed Sweets
Can increase glucose levels.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A serious diabetes complication caused by insulin deficiency.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration are common.
Yes, it requires immediate medical treatment.
Blood glucose, ketone and blood gas tests are used.
Proper diabetes management helps prevent DKA.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.