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By Mayo Clinic staffDiabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening medical condition. If you develop mild signs and symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if:
- You can't reach your doctor
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- Your symptoms are already severe
A medical provider who sees you for possible diabetic ketoacidosis will need the following information as quickly as possible:
- What are your signs and symptoms?
- When did these signs and symptoms first develop? Are they getting worse?
- Have you been diagnosed with diabetes?
- Have you recently checked your blood sugar levels?
- Have you recently checked your ketone levels?
- Have you lost your appetite?
- Are you having any trouble breathing?
- Do you have chest pain?
- Have you had any illness or infections in the time leading up to these symptoms?
- Have you experienced any stress or trauma in the time leading up to these symptoms?
- Did you use alcohol or recreational drugs in the time leading up to these symptoms?
- How closely have you recently been following your diabetes treatment plan?
- How well-managed would you say your diabetes has been in the time leading up to these symptoms?
References
- Ketoacidosis (DKA). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/ketoacidosis-dka.html. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Ferri FF. Diabetic ketoacidosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192147260-3/0/2088/189.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00013-7--sc0070_3802. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Eisenbarth GS, et al. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Kronenberg: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192147260-3/0/1555/195.html?tocnode=54108733&fromURL=195.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50033-9--cesec72_2996. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Fogel N, et al. Management of diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine. 2009;10:246.
- Checking for ketones. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-for-ketones.html. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- If you have diabetes, know your blood sugar numbers! National Diabetes Education Program. http://www.ndep.nih.gov/media/KnowNumbers_Eng.pdf. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Kitabchi A, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Collazo-Clavell, ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 20, 2010.
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