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.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
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.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common f...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSymptoms
Common symptoms of DKA can include:
- Decreased alertness
Decreased alertness
Decreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Deep, rapid breathing
Rapid breathing
Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Dehydration
- Dry skin and mouth
- Flushed face
- Frequent urination or thirst that lasts for a day or more
Frequent urination
Frequent urination means needing to urinate more often than usual. Urgent urination is a sudden, strong need to urinate. This causes a discomfort i...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThirst that lasts for a day or more
Excessive thirst is an abnormal feeling of always needing to drink fluids.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Fruity-smelling breath
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness or aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
Exams and Tests
Ketone testing may be used in type 1 diabetes to screen for early ketoacidosis. The ketone test is usually done using a urine sample or a blood sample.
Urine sample
A ketone urine test measures the amount of ketones in the urine.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleBlood sample
A ketone blood test measures the amount of ketones in the blood. Ketones can also be measured with a urine test.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleKetone testing is usually done when DKA is suspected:
- Most often, urine testing is done first.
- If the urine is positive for ketones, most often a ketone called beta-hydroxybutyrate is measured in the blood. This is the most common ketone measured. The other main ketone is acetoacetate.
Other tests for ketoacidosis include:
- Arterial blood gas
Arterial blood gas
Blood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Basic metabolic panel, (a group of blood tests that measure your sodium and potassium levels, kidney function, and other chemicals and functions, including the anion gap)
Basic metabolic panel
The basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body's metabolism.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood glucose test
Blood glucose test
A glucagon blood test measures the amount of a hormone called glucagon in your blood. Glucagon is produced by specific cells in the pancreas. It he...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood pressure measurement
- Osmolality blood test
Osmolality blood test
Osmolality blood test is a test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles found in the fluid part of blood. Osmolality in the urine c...
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Treatment
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, call 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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Possible Complications
Health problems that may result from DKA include any of the following:
- Fluid buildup in the brain (cerebral edema)
- Heart stops working (cardiac arrest)
Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body also stops. Cardia...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Kidney failure
Kidney failure
Acute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
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
Prevention
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.
Reviewed By
Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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.
ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. 2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of care in diabetes-2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(Suppl 1):S19-S40. PMID: 36507649 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507649/.
Maloney GE, Glauser JM. Diabetes mellitus and disorders of glucose homeostasis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, Erickson TB, Wilcox SR, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 115.