Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Symptoms & Signs

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes that occurs when the body makes high levels of ketones due to lack of insulin. It is rare but possible for DKA to occur in people with type 2 diabetes. In diabetic ketoacidosis, elevated blood sugar, elevated ketone levels, and acidity of the blood (acidosis) interfere with many critical body functions. DKA symptoms can include

• confusion,
• nausea and vomiting,
• dehydration, and
• frequent urination.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care and treatment in an intensive-care setting. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to diabetic coma and may even be fatal.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes

DKA is caused by high levels of ketones in the body, which are produced due to too low levels of insulin in people with diabetes. A number of factors can precipitate an episode of DKA, and infection is the most common of these. Other factors that can cause someone with diabetes to develop DKA include stopping insulin treatment, inadequate insulin treatment, stroke, pancreatitis, heart attack, and certain medications or drugs.

Other diabetic ketoacidosis (dka) symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain
• Coma
• Confusion
• Decreased Alertness
• Decreased Appetite
• Decreased Perspiration
• Dehydration
• Difficulty Breathing
• Dry Mouth
• Dry Skin
• Fatigue
• Flushing
• Frequent Urination
• Fruity Odor of Breath
• Headache
• Malaise
• Mental Status Changes
• Muscle Stiffness
• Nausea
• Rapid Breathing
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Vomiting

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Vs. Type 2 See Slideshow