What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and life-threatening complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

Ketones are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy.

DKA usually happens when there is an imbalance of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar levels.

When there is not enough insulin, or if the body does not respond properly to insulin, blood sugar levels can rise too high.

This can cause the body to produce ketones as a way to use up excess glucose. If ketone production becomes too high, it can lead to DKA.

DKA is a serious medical emergency and needs to be treated straight away. If left untreated, DKA can lead to coma and even death.