How long does it take to die from diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can happen in people with diabetes. It's where a lack of insulin causes harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood.

It can be life threatening and needs urgent treatment in hospital.

Check if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include:

• feeling thirsty
• needing to pee more often
• stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick
• diarrhoea
• breathing more deeply than usual
• breath that smells fruity (like pear drop sweets or nail polish remover)
• feeling tired, sleepy or confused
• blurred vision

The symptoms usually develop over 24 hours, but it can be faster.

DKA usually affects people with type 1 diabetes, but it can also happen in people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin.

It can happen when people first develop type 1 diabetes and have not yet been diagnosed, particularly children.

Checking your blood glucose and ketones

If you have diabetes and have any of the symptoms of DKA, check your blood glucose.

If it's high, test for ketones if

signs of high ketones

symptoms of high ketones