Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What are the warning signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, and what causes it?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rocky Face, GA
September 22, 2024
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared personal experiences with diabetic ketoacidosis, with one member describing multiple hospitalizations and ongoing struggles... Read more

Members shared personal experiences with diabetic ketoacidosis, with one member describing multiple hospitalizations and ongoing struggles with how DKA affects the liver, underscoring the life-threatening nature of the condition. Several members identified key warning signs including excessive thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, and a distinctive fruity breath odor, with home blood and urine tests able to detect high blood sugar and ketone levels. A recurring theme was the importance of awareness and education, as many members expressed they had not been informed about DKA by their doctors and appreciated learning about symptoms to watch for, with one member noting that gradual carb reduction can help prevent ketosis.

DiabetesTeam

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Here are the warning signs and causes:

Warning Signs of DKA:
- Excess urination
- Dry mouth and dry skin
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Fruity-smelling breath

Causes of Show Full Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Here are the warning signs and causes:

Warning Signs of DKA:
- Excess urination
- Dry mouth and dry skin
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Fruity-smelling breath

Causes of DKA:
- Lack of insulin: Your body can't use sugar for energy, so it breaks down fat, producing ketones.
- Rapid accumulation of ketones: Your kidneys can't filter them out fast enough, leading to dangerous levels.

If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

September 22, 2024
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thank you Joyce that is very lntresting

September 22, 2024
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member
Thank you for your input. Greatly appreciated🤗

September 22, 2024
A DiabetesTeam Member

Sounds like ketosis, that happens when to many carbs are cut to quick. Gradually reducing carb intake will help with that @A DiabetesTeam Member🩷

September 23, 2024
A DiabetesTeam Member

I googled It says you get thirsty, urinate, often, vomit, or have stomach pain. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, or fruity breath. It says home blood and urine test can find high levels of blood sugar, and ketones.

I don’t normally have high blood sugar, but a lot of those symptoms are my normal daily self. I always have a sweet taste in my mouth that I can’t stand it. I’ve checked my blood sugar, but I don’t know how to make it go away. It’s never like when my sugar is low or high. It’s just there.

September 23, 2024

Related Questions

View All

My blood sugar was 500+ for the last 5 days. Any suggestions?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
4 days ago

How to safely fast?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Columbia, SC
June 14

How OCT Works To Detect Diabetic Macular Edema: What To Expect
Diabetic Macular Edema Vision Changes: How It Progresses
Heart Disease and Diabetic Macular Edema: What’s the Link?