DKA is a serious and life-threatening complication of diabetes caused by an overload of acids (ketones) in the blood. Ketones are chemicals that are produced from the breakdown of fat in the body when there is not enough insulin to use glucose as fuel or energy. When ketones build up in the blood it can become toxic by making the blood acidic.
DKA can happen in any person with diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. It is more common in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus but it can also happen in type 2 diabetes as well. It is usually triggered by an infection or illness, missing insulin doses or prolonged uncontrolled blood sugars, drug (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy) and alcohol use. Symptoms include constant fatigue, increased thirst and urination, dry skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep and rapid breathing, change in mental status, among others.
The best way to prevent DKA is by checking blood sugars with a meter (glucometer) regularly and avoid missing insulin doses. There are a few at-home tests that can be used to see if DKA is present, such as blood or urine ketone tests. The blood ketone test is like a glucose meter that will measure the level of ketones in the blood. The urine test is a strip that will turn a certain color depending on what level of ketones are in the urine, which can be purchased at the local pharmacy without a prescription.
Treatment of DKA is usually done in the hospital with intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and insulin to reduce blood sugars. DKA, if not treated, can lead to diabetic coma or even death due to fluid overload in the brain, kidney failure and cardiac arrest (heart stops).