The Facts
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes, in particular those who have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. It involves the buildup of toxic substances called ketones that make the blood too acidic. High ketone levels can be readily managed, but if they aren't detected and treated in time, a person can eventually slip into a coma and die.
DKA can occur in people who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and have had ketones building up in their blood prior to the start of treatment. However, 75% of the time, ketoacidosis occurs in individuals already receiving treatment for diabetes. DKA and low blood glucose are two major reasons that people with type 1 diabetes are admitted to hospital for emergency treatment, and DKA accounts for about 85% of cases.