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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 of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include:
The symptoms usually develop over 24 hours, but it can be faster.
DKA usually affects people with type 1 diabetes, but it can also happen in people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin.
It can happen when people first develop type 1 diabetes and have not yet been diagnosed, particularly children.
If you have diabetes and have any of the symptoms of DKA, check your blood glucose. If it's high, test for ketones if you can.
If you use a meter to test for ketones in your blood:
If you use strips to test for ketones in your pee, over 2+ is high. This means you may have DKA and should call 999 or go to A&E.
These ketone levels are a guide. Normal blood ketone levels can be different for different people. Your diabetes care team will advise you on what levels to look for.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can be life threatening so it's important to get treatment quickly.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
You have diabetes and:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
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.
If you have diabetes, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and how to reduce the risk of getting it.
Causes of DKA can include being unwell, having an injury or surgery, having your period, or not taking enough insulin.
Testing for ketones will help you know when you need to take action, such as increasing your insulin dose.
You can get kit to test for ketones free from the NHS, or buy it from a pharmacy. You can use:
follow the treatment plan agreed with your diabetes care team, including adjusting your insulin dose when you need to
check your blood glucose regularly
ask your care team about getting a continuous glucose monitor or flash monitor if you do not already have one
test for ketones when your blood glucose is high and when you're ill
follow the sick day rules you've been given by your care team when you're ill
contact your care team if you're not sure what to do
do not stop taking insulin, even if you're not eating
do not skip insulin doses
