Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

When the body cannot use sugar for energy, it uses stored fat. Acids known as ketones may build up in the blood and spill into the urine when fat is burned for energy; when blood sugar is also high, a life-threatening medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, can result.

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You may develop DKA quickly if you are sick, so it's important to check your blood every four hours when you have an illness or infection. You may also get DKA slowly, however. Check for ketones whenever your blood sugar is 250 or above. More information is available at Testing for ketones.

If you are getting DKA, you may:

• Have to urinate a lot
• Be extra thirsty or hungry
• Feel sleepy
• Feel weak
• Vomit for an extended time
• Have stomach pains
• Have chest pains
• Breathe hard
• Experience confusion
• Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you develop symptoms.