Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes and, much less commonly, of type 2 diabetes. DKA happens when your blood sugar is very high and acidic substances called ketones build up to dangerous levels in your body. Ketosis can occur as a result of an extremely low carbohydrate diet, known as a ketogenic diet , or fasting.
DKA is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency services immediately if you think you are experiencing DKA. If left untreated, DKA can lead to a coma or death.
If you use insulin , make sure you discuss the risk of DKA with your healthcare team and have a plan in place. If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have a supply of home urine ketone tests. You can buy these in drug stores or online. Call your doctor if moderate or high levels of ketones are present.
Always seek medical help if you suspect you are progressing to DKA. The treatment for DKA usually involves a combination of approaches to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels. Infection can increase the risk of DKA.
If your DKA is a result of an infection or illness, your doctor will treat that as well, usually with antibiotics. At the hospital, your physician will likely give you fluids. If possible, they can give them orally, but you may have to receive fluids through an IV. Fluid replacement helps treat dehydration , which can cause even higher blood sugar levels.
When your blood sugar level is within an acceptable range, your doctor will work with you to help you avoid DKA in the future. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help your body, including the heart and nerves, function properly. Electrolyte replacement is also commonly done through an IV. DKA occurs when blood sugar levels are very high and insulin levels are low.
Our bodies need insulin to use the available glucose in the blood. That fuel is called ketones. When too many ketones build up, your blood becomes acidic. The goal of the ketogenic diet is to have the body use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose.
On the keto diet, you get most of your energy from fat, with very little of the diet coming from carbohydrates. Heart-healthy fats are the key to sustaining overall health. Some healthy foods that are commonly eaten in the ketogenic diet include:.
The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease blood glucose levels. Managing carbohydrate intake is often recommended for people with type 2 diabetes because carbohydrates turn to sugar and, in large quantities, can cause blood sugar spikes. If you already have high blood glucose, eating too many carbs can be dangerous. By switching the focus to fat, some people experience reduced blood sugar.
However, the two diets have some major differences. Robert C. Atkins created the Atkins diet in the s. Still, you might increase your fat intake by limiting carbohydrates and eating more animal protein. Cutting carbs on the Atkins diet can potentially aid weight loss and help you control diabetes symptoms. When you have too many ketones, you may be at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis DKA.
DKA is most prevalent in type 1 diabetes when blood glucose is too high and can arise from a lack of insulin. Although rare, DKA is possible in type 2 diabetes if ketones are too high.
Being ill while on a low-carb diet may also increase your risk for DKA. You can test at home with urine strips. DKA is a medical emergency. Complications can cause diabetic coma.
The ketogenic diet seems straightforward. Unlike a typical low-calorie diet, however, a high-fat diet requires careful monitoring. In fact, you may start the diet in a hospital. Once your body adjusts to the diet, you may still need to see your doctor once or twice a month for testing and medication adjustments.
For type 2 diabetes, testing frequency varies. Be sure to check with your doctor and determine the best testing schedule for your situation. You can check your ketone levels using a home-testing kit.
Call your diabetes team or GP as soon as possible if you're not sure whether you need emergency help — for example:. If you cannot contact your care team or GP, call your local out-of-hours service or NHS for advice.
DKA is caused by a lack of insulin in the body, which results in the body breaking down fat for energy. Ketones are released into the body as the fat is broken down. Contact your diabetes team or GP for advice if you find it hard to keep your blood sugar level down.
You'll also be closely monitored for any life-threatening problems that can happen, such as problems with your brain, kidneys or lungs.
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