Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The initial symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis can develop quite suddenly andwill continue to get worse if not treated.

Early symptoms

In the early stages, the main signs of diabetic ketoacidosis are:

• passing large amounts of urine
• severe Thirst
• feeling sick
• tiredness
• abdominal (tummy) pain
• shortness of breath

You may also develop other symptoms of dehydration , such as a dry mouth .

If you have your own device or kit to measure your blood sugar and/or ketone levels, you may notice that the levels of both of theseare higher than normal.

Advanced symptoms

Left untreated, more advanced symptoms can develop, such as:

• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• rapid breathing, where you breathe in more oxygen than your body actually needs (hyperventilate)
• vomiting
• dizziness
• a smell of ketones on your breath, whichcan smelllike pear drops or nail varnish remover
• confusion
• drowsiness or loss of consciousness( coma )

In some cases, life-threatening complications of diabetic ketoacidosis can also develop.

When to seek medical advice

If you think you or your child are experiencing early symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, andself-testing shows you have a high blood glucose and/or ketone level, you should immediately contact your diabetescare teamor GP for advice.

If this isn't possible, call yourlocalout-of-hours service or NHS 111 .

If you or someone in your care appears to be experiencing more advanced symptoms, go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department .