Diabetic Ketoacidosis & Diabetic Coma

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially deadly condition that affects diabetics. It occurs when the body begins to break down fat at an excessively rapid rate. The liver converts fat into ketones, a type of fuel that causes the blood to become acidic. DKA is most frequent in patients with type 1 diabetes, however it can also develop in people with type 2 diabetes. DKA can cause a coma or death if left untreated.

When the blood sugar levels rise to 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, one may experience a diabetic coma, which causes people to become dehydrated. It mainly affects persons who have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. It's common in the aged, the chronically ill, and the disabled.

• Ketone production
• Management of diabetes
• Warning signs and managing diabetic coma
• Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome