Normally, insulin helps sugar enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body can't use sugar properly for energy. This prompts the release of hormones that break down fat as fuel, which produces acids known as ketones.
Excess ketones build up in the blood and eventually "spill over" into the urine. Uncommonly, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur if you have type 2 diabetes. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may be the first sign that you have diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium and chloride — and insulin. Perhaps surprisingly, the most common complications of diabetic ketoacidosis are related to this lifesaving treatment.
Left untreated, the risks of diabetic ketoacidosis are much greater. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to loss of consciousness and, eventually, death. Diabetes complications are scary. But don't let fear keep you from taking good care of yourself.
Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
At the hospital, your physician will likely give you fluids. If possible, they can give them orally, but you may have to receive fluids through an IV. Fluid replacement helps treat dehydration , which can cause even higher blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar level is within an acceptable range, your doctor will work with you to help you avoid DKA in the future. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help your body, including the heart and nerves, function properly.
Electrolyte replacement is also commonly done through an IV. DKA occurs when blood sugar levels are very high and insulin levels are low.
Our bodies need insulin to use the available glucose in the blood. That fuel is called ketones. When too many ketones build up, your blood becomes acidic. This is diabetic ketoacidosis. Although DKA is less common in people who have type 2 diabetes, it does occur. Some medications can increase the risk of DKA. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Testing for ketones in a sample of urine is one of the first steps for diagnosing DKA.
They will likely also test your blood sugar level. Other tests your doctor may order are:. There are many ways to prevent DKA. One of the most important is proper management of your diabetes:. DKA is serious, but it can be prevented.
Follow your treatment plan and be proactive about your health. They can adjust your treatment plan or help you come up with solutions for better managing your diabetes. Read this article in Spanish. In an effort to control blood sugar and weight, some people are turning to the ketogenic diet for managing type 2 diabetes. Checking your ketones at home is simple. You should also test for ketones if you have any of the symptoms of DKA.
Call your doctor if your ketones are moderate or high. Elevated ketones are a sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Your treatment will likely include:. DSMES services are a vital tool to help you manage and live well with diabetes while protecting your health. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.
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