What are the symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) are: (1) History of diabetes requiring medications. (2) Concentration is getting worse. (3) Recent changes in mental state. (4) Nausea or vomiting. (5) Seizure. (6) Losing consciousness. (7) Sweet and sour-smelling breath or body odor. (8) Dry Mouth. (9) Headache. (10) History of diabetes or pre-diabetes

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency Medicine)

Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |

Hidetaka Hamasaki, MD (Endocrinology)

Dr. Hamasaki graduated from the Hiroshima University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University. He completed his residency at the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and the Department of Internal Medicine, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine. He has served in the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and Kohnodai Hospital and joined Hamasaki Clinic in April 2017. Dr. Hamasaki specializes in diabetes and treats a wide range of internal medicine and endocrine disorders.

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Content updated on Apr 4, 2024

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Confusion
Easily distracted
My body is jerking
Change in mental status
I can not concentrate on my work
Nausea improves with vomiting
Unable to sit for a long time

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What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

A diabetes complication where the body can't use sugar properly, often due to a lack of insulin hormone. Immediate medical attention and hospitalization are necessary.

Typical Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

History of diabetes requiring medications
Concentration is getting worse
Recent changes in mental state
Nausea or vomiting
Seizure
Losing consciousness
Sweet and sour-smelling breath or body odor
Dry Mouth

Doctor's Diagnostic Questionson Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:

Have you ever been treated for diabetes?
Are you having trouble concentrating lately?
Recently, are you more confused than before?
Are you feeling nauseous or have you been vomiting?
Have you had a seizure?

Treatmentof Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Emergency medical care is required. Fluids and insulin will be given through a needle in the vein. Salt-containing solutions may also be provided if there are salt imbalances in the blood. Treatment of the cause, such as infection, is needed as well.

Think you might have
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

View the symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diseases related to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

References

Modi A, Agrawal A, Morgan F. Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Review. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2017;13(3):315-321. doi: 10.2174/1573399812666160421121307. PMID: 27097605.
http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/75114
Dhatariya KK, Vellanki P. Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)/Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS): Novel Advances in the Management of Hyperglycemic Crises (UK Versus USA). Curr Diab Rep. 2017 May;17(5):33. doi: 10.1007/s11892-017-0857-4. PMID: 28364357; PMCID: PMC5375966.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11892-017-0857-4
Cashen K, Petersen T. Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Pediatr Rev. 2019 Aug;40(8):412-420. doi: 10.1542/pir.2018-0231. PMID: 31371634.
https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/40/8/412/35321/Diabetic-Ketoacidosis?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Evans K. Diabetic ketoacidosis: update on management. Clin Med (Lond). 2019 Sep;19(5):396-398. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2019-0284. PMID: 31530688; PMCID: PMC6771342.
https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/clinmedicine/19/5/396
Fayfman M, Pasquel FJ, Umpierrez GE. Management of Hyperglycemic Crises: Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State. Med Clin North Am. 2017 May;101(3):587-606. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2016.12.011. PMID: 28372715; PMCID: PMC6535398.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025712516374041?via%3Dihub