Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life threatening condition that occurs when there is insufficient insulin and BGLs are extremely high. This causes imbalances in body fluid and salt levels, leading to dehydration and build up of acids in the blood. Vomiting and increasing drowsiness result. DKA requires urgent medical assistance.

What are the causes of DKA?

• Previously undiagnosed type 1 diabetes
• Insufficient insulin
• Omission of insulin (accidental or deliberate)
• Illness / infection / inadequate insulin doses

Signs and symptoms

DKA can develop rapidly and requires urgent medical assistance. Signs and symptoms may include:
• High BGLs with ketones present
• Tummy pain
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Acetone smell on the breath
• Confusion
• Drowsiness which may lead to coma

Managing DKA

DKA requires urgent hospitalisation and management by an experienced paediatric diabetes team. A child with DKA will usually be admitted to an intensive care unit for rehydration, insulin therapy and correction of acid build up in the body. Treatment of DKA may take several days of hospitalisation.