Diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by a chemical imbalance that hinders the body’s ability to control its fluids. It can cause people to become very thirsty and pass large amounts of urine. If left untreated, the condition can cause life-threatening dehydration.…
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition caused by a build-up of waste products called ketones in the blood. It occurs in people with diabetes mellitus when they have no, or very low levels of, insulin.
Glucose is an essential energy source for the body's cells. When food containing carbohydrates is eaten, it is broken down into glucose that travels around the body in the blood, to be absorbed by cells that use it for energy.
The liver attempts to compensate for the lack of energy in the cells by producing more glucose, leading to increased levels of glucose in the blood, also known as hyperglycemia.
The body switches to burning its stores of fat instead of glucose to produce energy. This leads to a build-up of acidic waste products called ketones in the blood and urine. This is known as ketoacidosis, and it can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, breathing changes and abdominal pain.
The kidneys try to remove some of the excess glucose and ketones. However, this requires taking large amounts of fluid from the body, which leads to dehydration.
This can cause:
For people with type 1 diabetes, factors that can increase the risk of DKA include:
- Missing insulin injections, or insulin pump doses;
- Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, or other illnesses;
- Alcohol use;
- Surgery or injury, and;
- Emotional stress.
The risks are highest in the period just before diabetes is diagnosed. The symptoms of DKA may be the first sign of type 1 diabetes. Younger people - particularly in their teens - with type 1 diabetes tend to be at greater risk of developing DKA.
DKA is much less common in people with type 2 diabetes, but factors that can increase the risk include:
- Surgery or injury, and;
- Illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, pancreatitis, urinary tract infections and sepsis.
Pregnant women who have pre-existing diabetes or develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy can also be at risk of developing ketoacidosis.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of DKA can develop over the course of hours. They can include:
- Increased thirst;
- Increased frequency of urination;
- Abdominal pains, which can be severe;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Shortness of breath and rapid breathing;
- A fruity smell to the breath, similar to the smell of nail polish;
- Drowsiness and confusion;
- Flushed cheeks;
- Headache, and;
- General weakness and fatigue.
DKA can rapidly cause severe dehydration.
People who self-test their own blood and urine may notice:
- Higher blood glucose levels, and;
- Higher ketone levels in the urine.
If you notice signs or symptoms of DKA, it is important to contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency treatment. This is the case even if there has not been a previous diagnosis of diabetes.
Methods for diagnosis
Your doctor may ask you about your symptoms, results of any self-testing of blood glucose and ketone levels and any factors that might have triggered DKA.
A physical examination can help to evaluate the severity of symptoms. In particular, your doctor may focus on checking for signs of dehydration.
Other tests may be recommended to detect any underlying conditions that may have triggered the DKA and determine if you have any complications.
These can include:
- Blood tests for electrolyte levels, such as sodium and potassium;
- Amylase test, which detects an enzyme released by the pancreas when it is inflamed;
- Arterial blood gas test, which measures levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and can measure acidity in the blood;
- Glycated hemoglobin test, which can help to determine whether diabetes control is an ongoing problem, or whether it was due to a one-off problem with insulin levels;
- Chest X-ray, and;
- Electrocardiography (ECG) to check for any heart rhythm abnormalities.
Types of treatment
DKA usually requires treatment in a hospital. Treatment aims to:
- Treat dehydration by replacing lost fluids, either intravenously (IV) or by mouth;
- Replacing lost electrolytes to help your cells and organs function correctly, and;
- Reduce the high level of glucose in the blood by administering insulin, usually IV.
It is important that this treatment be monitored carefully to make sure that glucose and electrolyte levels are maintained at safe levels, or complications may develop.
Any underlying conditions that may have triggered DKA may also need treatment. If the DKA is a sign of undiagnosed diabetes, your doctor will develop a plan to help you manage your diabetes.
Complications that can occur with treatment of DKA include:
Replacement of fluids to treat dehydration can lead to potassium levels falling too low, known as hypokalaemia. As potassium is vital for the function of muscles, nerves and the heart, this can be dangerous.
If blood sugar levels change too quickly, it can lead to swelling in the brain (cerebral edema), particularly in children. In turn, this swelling restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, which can result in the damage or death of brain cells.
Careful monitoring of blood glucose and electrolyte levels during treatment can help to prevent these complications.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis of DKA is generally good. However, every year people still continue to die from diabetic ketoacidosis, often as a result of not seeking treatment early.
While DKA cannot always be prevented, by managing diabetes well, you can significantly reduce the risk of it occurring.
Steps you can take include:
FAQ Frequently asked questions
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition caused by a build-up of waste products called ketones in the blood. It occurs in people with diabetes when they have little or no insulin.
What are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis include increased thirst and urination, abdominal pains, vomiting, shortness of breath and rapid breathing, a fruity smell to the breath and drowsiness and confusion.
What causes diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs because of a lack of insulin, which leads to the body burning its fat stores to provide energy for cells. This produces ketones, acidic substances that are toxic at high levels.
Who can develop diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis most commonly occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes and in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
How is diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosed?
Blood and urine tests to measure levels of ketones and blood glucose are used to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis.
How is diabetic ketoacidosis treated?
Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis should occur in a hospital. It involves replacing fluids lost through dehydration and making sure that electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, are maintained at safe levels. Insulin may be given to help reduce …
Can diabetic ketoacidosis be cured?
With prompt treatment, most people recover from diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is important to properly manage diabetes to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis from recurring.
Will diabetic ketoacidosis clear on its own?
Diabetic ketoacidosis will not clear on its own and requires treatment as soon as possible. Untreated, it can cause organ failure, shock, coma and ultimately death.
Can diabetic ketoacidosis be prevented?
While diabetic ketoacidosis cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce your risk by managing diabetes well, including taking insulin and medications as prescribed, and regularly monitoring blood glucose levels as recommended by your doctor.