Most cases of ketoacidosis occur in people with type 1, it very rarely occurs in people with type 2. DKA may occur when you: are unwell forget to take your insulin, or don’t take enough insulin. Signs and symptoms of DKA include: feeling drowsy, confused or weak having deep, rapid breathing or shortness of breath having tummy pain not keeping fluid down or having persistent vomiting or diarrhoea showing signs or having symptoms of dehydration such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, weakness, confusion and not urinating having a ‘fruity’ smell to your breath. Read more in our fact sheet. Living well with type 1 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet Like everyone, people living with type 1 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do. Download now What are ketones? Ketones are chemicals made in the liver. The liver makes ketones when there is not enough of the hormone insulin in the body to use glucose for energy. So, the body breaks down fat as a source of energy instead. This break-down turns fat into ketones, a type of acid, and sends them into the bloodstream. The body uses ketones as a source of energy when insulin cannot enter the cells to provide energy. Ketones in large amounts are toxic to the body How to check for ketones The most accurate way to check for ketones is to use a blood glucose meter that also checks for blood ketones. If this is not an option, you can check your urine using urine ketone monitoring strips. You should check for ketones every 2–4 hours when you are unwell. Your sick day action plan should explain what action to take for what level of blood or urine ketone. Ketoacidosis during pregnancy The risk of ketoacidosis increases during pregnancy and is very dangerous, especially for the baby. It is important to go to a hospital immediately if your blood glucose levels are high and there is any sign of ketoacidosis. For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, find out more at: Ketoacidosis during pregnancy, for women with type 1 diabetes Sick days during pregnancy, for women with type 1 diabetes Featured resources Living well with type 1 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet Like everyone, people living with type 1 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do. Download now Living well with type 2 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet Like everyone, people living with type 2 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do. Download now Insulin fact sheet Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. Different people need different types of insulin. Your treatment needs to be tailored to your needs. Download now Blood glucose monitoring fact sheet Checking your blood glucose levels can help you manage your diabetes. You will be able to see what makes your numbers go ‘up’ or ‘down’. Available in other languages Download now
