Diabetic ketoacidosis
Overview
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can happen in people with diabetes. It's where a lack of insulin causes harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood. It can be life threatening and needs urgent treatment in hospital.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include: feeling thirstyneeding to pee more oftenstomach pain, feeling sick or being sickdiarrhoeabreathing more deeply than usualbreath that smells fruity (like pear drop sweets or nail polish remover)feeling tired, sleepy or confusedblurred vision The symptoms usually develop over 24 hours, but it can be faster. DKA usually affects people withtype 1 diabetes, but it can also happen in people withtype 2 diabeteswho need insulin. It can happen when people first develop type 1 diabetes and have not yet been diagnosed, particularly children.
Treatment
If you have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) you'll need to be admitted to hospital for urgent treatment. You'll be given insulin, fluids and nutrients through a drip into your vein. You'll be monitored for complications, as DKA can sometimes affect your brain, heart or lungs. Once your ketones are at a safe level and you can eat and drink normally you'll be able to go home. The doctors will talk to you about what caused DKA and give you advice on how to reduce the risk of it happening again.