Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is caused by untreated high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). If does not get treated, it can develop into a life threatening sickness. In this state the body breaks down fat at a high rate.[1][2]

Causes
changeDiabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a lack of insulin and a high number of ketones, which causes blood to become acidic. This sickness is an emergency that can lead to coma or death.[2]
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:[2]
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Stomach pain
- Fast heart rate[2][3]
Those with type 2 diabetes can also get sick with ketoacidosis. DKA can happen with high blood sugar, when medicine is stopped, because of a bad sickness or infection:[1]
- Unconsciousness
- Breathing problems
- Breath that smells like fruit
References
change- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Diabetic ketoacidosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-19. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Diabetic ketoacidosis: Know the warning signs-Diabetic ketoacidosis - Symptoms & causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ↑ "Hyperglycemia". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-07-18.