Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) develops in people with Type 1 diabetes when blood glucose levels are high and the body does not have enough insulin to cover the blood glucose. Without insulin, your body cannot use that glucose and instead turns to fat as another source of energy. In this process, the fat is converted to blood glucose—adding still more blood glucose to the system. A waste product is also created, an acid called a “ketone.”

Ketones are very dangerous, and the body cannot tolerate them in large amounts. The system tries to eliminate them through the urine, although this elimination process may not be fast enough to keep ketone levels down. Diabetic Ketoacidosis can result as your blood actually becomes acidic. Diabetic Ketoacidosis can develop in just a few hours if insulin injections are neglected or an illness raises blood glucose suddenly.

Ketoacidosis can lead to death. It must be treated in a hospital, immediately. Here are the symptoms:

• Fruity smell to the breath
• Rapid and shortness of breath (Kussmaul breathing)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Very dry mouth

Discuss an emergency plan with your health care provider in the event that you experience Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Be sure that family or friends are aware of the seriousness of this diabetes complication, and are prepared to help.

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