KETOACIDOSIS (diabetic ketoacidosis, DKA)

Life-threatening condition caused by a severe lack of insulin that can occur in type 1 and, less commonly, type 2, diabetes. Blood glucose is high, too little glucose enters cells, and the body breaks down other body tissue, e.g. fat as an energy source. Acidic ketones are produced, and occur in the urine and blood. The patient needs immediate hospital admission for intravenous fluids, insulin and glucose.