DKA Warning Signs: What to Watch For and When to Act

When your body can’t use sugar for energy, it starts burning fat instead—this creates toxic acids called ketones, acidic byproducts produced when the body breaks down fat for fuel due to lack of insulin. Also known as ketoacidosis, this process can spiral into a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes caused by dangerously high levels of ketones and blood sugar. DKA doesn’t sneak up quietly. It gives clear signals, and recognizing them early can mean the difference between a doctor’s visit and an ER trip.

Most people with type 1 diabetes know the basics, but even those with type 2 can develop DKA, especially during illness, stress, or missed insulin doses. The first sign? Thirst that won’t quit and peeing all night. That’s your body trying to flush out excess sugar. Then comes nausea, stomach pain, and a fruity smell on your breath—like nail polish remover. That’s the ketones. Fatigue hits hard, not from lack of sleep, but because your cells are starving for fuel. Confusion or trouble breathing? That’s your body struggling to balance acid levels. These aren’t normal side effects. They’re red flags your body is in crisis.

What makes DKA worse? Ignoring it. A fever from the flu, an infection, or forgetting your insulin shot can trigger it in hours. People who don’t check their blood sugar regularly are at higher risk. And if you’re new to diabetes or just started insulin, you might not recognize the signs until it’s too late. That’s why knowing the warning signs isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. You don’t need to be a medical expert to spot them. You just need to pay attention.

Below, you’ll find real-world posts that break down what happens in your body during DKA, how to test for ketones at home, which symptoms overlap with other conditions, and what to do when your glucose meter spikes. You’ll also see how medications, infections, and even certain supplements can push someone into DKA—and how to avoid it. This isn’t theory. These are stories from people who’ve been there, and the facts that helped them stay safe.