Diabetic Ketoacidosis Signs
Dangerous hyperglycemia complication requiring urgent care
Step by Step
Warning signs: excessive thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid deep breathing, fruity smelling breath, confusion, drowsiness, and eventually loss of consciousness. Often triggered by infection, missed insulin, or new onset type 1 diabetes. People with diabetes may have a sick day plan and may check ketones. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency treated in hospital: seek urgent medical help, and call emergency services if the person is drowsy, confused, breathing rapidly, or vomiting repeatedly. If they are unresponsive and breathing, use the recovery position. Hospital treatment includes fluids and insulin.
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