From the Guidelines
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) symptoms that can be recognized at home include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, confusion, fruity-scented breath, rapid breathing, and high blood sugar levels (if you have a glucose meter) 1. These symptoms typically develop quickly, often within 24 hours.
- Blood sugar readings above 250 mg/dL combined with ketones in urine (detectable with at-home ketone test strips) are particularly concerning.
- DKA is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment, so call 911 or go to the emergency room if you suspect DKA, especially if you experience multiple symptoms together. DKA occurs when your body cannot use glucose for energy due to insufficient insulin, causing it to break down fat too quickly and produce ketones that make your blood acidic 1.
- People with type 1 diabetes are at highest risk, but it can also affect those with type 2 diabetes during severe illness or stress.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and ketones during illness, along with staying hydrated and continuing insulin as prescribed, can help prevent DKA 1. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of untreated diabetes and to educate friends, roommates, and other caregivers about the signs and symptoms of early DKA 1.
- Prevention can be achieved by public awareness, education, and improved detection of families at risk.
- Education about ketone monitoring and 24-h telephone availability can also help prevent DKA 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The first symptoms of DKA usually come on gradually, over a period of hours or days, and include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst, loss of appetite, and fruity odor on the breath. Early signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include glycosuria and ketonuria Polydipsia, polyuria, loss of appetite, fatigue, dry skin, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and compensatory tachypnea come on gradually, usually over a period of some hours or days, in conjunction with hyperglycemia and ketonemia.
The symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) to recognize at home include:
- Drowsy feeling
- Flushed face
- Thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Fruity odor on the breath
- Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing rate (tachypnea) 2 2
From the Research
Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
The symptoms of DKA can be recognized at home and include:
- Polyuria and polydipsia, which are the most common symptoms 3
- Nausea and vomiting, which are also common symptoms 3, 4
- Abdominal pain, which can be a symptom of DKA 3, 4
- Weight loss, which can occur due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy 3
- Severe fatigue, which can be a result of the body's metabolic state 3
- Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, which can occur due to the metabolic acidosis 3
- Preceding febrile illness, which can be a precipitating factor for DKA 3
Precipitating Factors for DKA
The precipitating factors for DKA can also be recognized at home and include:
- Infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, which are the most common precipitating factors 5, 4
- Non-compliance with insulin therapy, which can lead to DKA 5, 4
- Intercurrent illnesses, such as surgery, trauma, and myocardial ischemia, which can precipitate DKA 5
- Psychological stress, which can also be a precipitating factor for DKA 5
Importance of Recognition and Treatment
Recognition of the symptoms and precipitating factors of DKA is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications. Treatment of DKA involves fluid and electrolyte replacement, insulin therapy, and treatment of the precipitating cause 3, 6. Early detection and treatment of DKA can help prevent serious morbidity and mortality 6.