Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Overview

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes caused by insulin deficiency, in which the body breaks down fat and produces ketoacids. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, deep rapid breathing, increased urination, weakness, and confusion, and it occurs most often in type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms

• Thirst
• Excessive urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Deep rapid breathing

Treatment

Emergency intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, continuous low-dose insulin to lower blood glucose and clear ketones, and active removal of precipitating factors such as infection.

Dietary advice

Once stabilized, a regular diabetic diet with fixed timing and portions and controlled total calories and carbohydrates.