Why does illness cause dka

But don't let fear keep you from taking good care of yourself. Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references DKA ketoacidosis and ketones. American Diabetes Association. Accessed Oct. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. Merck Manual Professional Version. Instead, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, a process that produces acids called ketones.

When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body. High ketones can be an early sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency. Checking your ketones at home is simple. You should also test for ketones if you have any of the symptoms of DKA. Call your doctor if your ketones are moderate or high. Elevated ketones are a sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Your treatment will likely include:. DSMES services are a vital tool to help you manage and live well with diabetes while protecting your health.

Learn more. My diagnosis was a wake-up call. It was time to take care of my health. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment. I learned that the best type 2 diabetes diet is the one that works for you.

Members of the T2D Healthline community understand well how managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. These 6 tips can help make it easier. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes.

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis? How is diabetic ketoacidosis treated? What causes diabetic ketoacidosis? Who is at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis? How is diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosed?

Preventing diabetic ketoacidosis. Read this next. Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis: What You Should Know. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Checking Ketone Levels. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. How Singer Nick Jonas Is Living His Healthiest Life with Type 1 Diabetes The singer and actor shares why using the "time in range" metric to help manage his type 1 diabetes has been a "life-changing" discovery.

Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD.