Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Overview
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition that can affect people with diabetes.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 if:
- someone has become unconscious
Checking your blood sugars and ketones
If you have any of the symptoms of DKA you should check your blood sugar levels immediately. Your care team may have given you instructions on how to measure and interpret your ketones.
As a guide for ketones in your blood:
- under 0.6mmol/L is normal
- 0.6 to 1.5mmol/L is slightly high – test again in 2 hours
- 1.6 to 3mmol/L means you’re at risk of DKA and should speak to your diabetes care team for advice
- over 3mmol/L is high and means you may have DKA and should call 999 or go to A&E
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.
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you:
- have a high level of ketones – over 3mmol/L in your blood, or over 2+ in your pee
- do not know your ketone levels but have symptoms of DKA
- have symptoms of DKA and have not been diagnosed with diabetes
Don’t drive yourself to A&E. If you can’t get someone to drive you to A&E call 999.
Phone your care team or 111 if:
You have diabetes and your:
- blood glucose is high and your insulin treatment is not working to reduce it, even if your ketones are normal
- ketones are slightly high (0.6 to 1.5mmol/L) and you feel unwell
- ketones are 1.6 to 3mmol/L, even if you do not feel unwell
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 if:
- someone has become unconscious
Checking your blood sugars and ketones
If you have any of the symptoms of DKA you should check your blood sugar levels immediately. Your care team may have given you instructions on how to measure and interpret your ketones.
As a guide for ketones in your blood:
- under 0.6mmol/L is normal
- 0.6 to 1.5mmol/L is slightly high – test again in 2 hours
- 1.6 to 3mmol/L means you’re at risk of DKA and should speak to your diabetes care team for advice
- over 3mmol/L is high and means you may have DKA and should call 999 or go to A&E
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.
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you:
- have a high level of ketones – over 3mmol/L in your blood, or over 2+ in your pee
- do not know your ketone levels but have symptoms of DKA
- have symptoms of DKA and have not been diagnosed with diabetes
Don’t drive yourself to A&E. If you can’t get someone to drive you to A&E call 999.
Phone your care team or 111 if:
You have diabetes and your:
- blood glucose is high and your insulin treatment is not working to reduce it, even if your ketones are normal
- ketones are slightly high (0.6 to 1.5mmol/L) and you feel unwell
- ketones are 1.6 to 3mmol/L, even if you do not feel unwell
Causes
ডায়াবেটিক কিটোঅ্যাসিডোসিস কেন হয়?
শরীরে ইনসুলিনের মাত্রা যথেষ্ট না থাকলে DKA দেখা দেয়। ইনসুলিনের অভাবে শরীর কার্বোহাইড্রেট থেকে শক্তি তৈরি করতে পারে না। তখন শরীর নিজের প্রয়োজনীয় শক্তি জোগাড় করতে চর্বি ও পেশি ভাঙতে শুরু করে। এই প্রক্রিয়ায় কিটোন নামের ক্ষতিকর পদার্থ তৈরি হয়ে রক্তে জমতে থাকে।
যাদের ডায়াবেটিস আছে, তাদের মধ্যে বিশেষ করে নিচের পরিস্থিতিতে DKA হতে পারে, যেমন আপনি যদি:
- অসুস্থ থাকেন
- সম্প্রতি কোনো অস্ত্রোপচার করিয়ে থাকেন
- প্রয়োজনীয় পরিমাণে ইনসুলিন না নিয়ে থাকেন
Treatment
If you have DKA, you may need hospital treatment. Doctors may give you:
- insulin
- fluids
- nutrients
These are usually given through a drip into your vein.
While you're being treated, your care team will also watch closely for complications, since DKA can sometimes affect the brain, heart or lungs.
You'll be able to go home once your ketone levels return to a safe range and:
- you're able to eat and drink normally
- you're able to take insulin as needed
Before you leave, your healthcare team will talk with you about what may have caused your DKA, and they'll offer guidance on how to lower the chances of it happening again.
Prevention
How to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis
People with Type 1 diabetes can help to prevent DKA by monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly.
You should follow the treatment plan you’ve agreed with your care team or GP. If you’re confident in adjusting your insulin doses then you should do so. If not contact your healthcare team.
Your blood sugar levels could be higher than normal when you’re unwell. This means you’ll be more at risk of DKA. Work with your healthcare team to develop steps on what to do when you’re ill.
Further information and advice on diabetic ketoacidosis
If advised by your care team, you can get a kit to test for ketones free from the NHS. You can also buy If advised by your care team, you can get a kit to test for ketones free from the NHS. You can also buy one from a pharmacy.
You can use:
- a ketone meter to test your blood
- some types of blood glucose monitor that also test for ketones
- strips to test your pee
If you’re unwell you’ll still need insulin and food. If you’re unable to have either you should contact your healthcare professional.
Further resources
Diabetes UK has more information on DKA
MyDiabetesMyWay have information and resources on detecting and treating DKA
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