Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Causes, Signs, and What You Need to Know

When your body doesn't have enough insulin, it can't use glucose for energy, so it starts burning fat instead. This process creates toxic acids called ketones, which build up in your blood and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that mostly affects people with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2. Also known as DKA, it's not just high blood sugar—it's your body going into emergency mode. If you're on insulin and skip a dose, get sick with an infection, or have a new diagnosis, DKA can develop fast—sometimes in under 24 hours.

High blood sugar, levels above 250 mg/dL that won't come down despite insulin is the starting point. But what makes DKA dangerous is the ketone surge. Your breath starts smelling fruity, like nail polish remover. You feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused. You're peeing nonstop and still thirsty. These aren't normal side effects—they're red flags. Even if you think your diabetes is under control, stress, illness, or a missed insulin shot can flip the switch. Insulin deficiency, whether from missed doses, pump failure, or undiagnosed type 1 diabetes is the root cause. Without insulin, your cells starve, your liver dumps out more glucose, and your kidneys can't keep up with the flood of ketones.

People often mistake DKA for the flu—fatigue, vomiting, stomach pain. But if you're diabetic and feel this bad, don't wait. Test your ketones with urine strips or a blood meter. If they're moderate to high, call your doctor or go to the ER. DKA doesn't resolve on its own. Treatment needs IV fluids, insulin, and electrolyte balancing—done in a hospital. Skipping care can lead to coma or worse. Even after recovery, you need to figure out what triggered it. Was it an infection? A new medication? A broken pump? Understanding the cause helps prevent the next episode.

The posts below cover real-world scenarios tied to diabetic ketoacidosis: how certain drugs affect blood sugar, what happens when insulin therapy fails, and how other conditions like infections or kidney issues can push someone into DKA. You'll find practical advice on spotting early signs, avoiding common mistakes, and knowing when to act fast. This isn't theory—it's what people actually face when their body sends out an alarm.