DKA is when a severe lack of insulin upsets the body’s normal chemical balance and causes ketones to be produced. Ketones are poisonous chemicals which if left unchecked will cause the body to become acidic, hence the name ‘acidosis’.
DKA can develop
- when your child is first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (some children don’t get diagnosed until they have developed DKA)
- when your child is ill (for more information visit Being unwell)
- during a growth spurt/puberty
- if your child has not taken their insulin dose(s) for any reason.
DKA generally develops over 24 hours but can develop more quickly particularly in young children. DKA has to be treated in hospital, as your child will need a drip and an insulin infusion.
Signs of DKA
- ketones in the blood/urine
- abdominal pain
- nausea/vomiting
- rapid breathing.
If your child has high blood glucose levels and any signs of DKA you must contact your paediatric diabetes team immediately. If DKA is left untreated it could cause your child to become unconscious. But if picked up early it can easily be treated with extra insulin and fluid.
- Make sure anyone who looks after your child knows what hypers are and how to treat them.
- Make sure you check for ketones if blood glucose is over 15mmol/l*.
- Learn how to spot the signs of DKA. If you suspect your child is developing it, seek medical help straight away.
*Millimoles per litre: a measurement of the concentration of a substance in a specified amount of liquid.