Less than 0. 6mmol/L (10. 81 mg/dL): Normal test result; you don’t have DKA 0. 6 to 1. 5mmol/L (10. 81 to 27. 03 mg/dL): Slight risk for DKA; take another test in 2 hours to be safe 1. 6 to 2. 9mmol/L (28. 83 to 52. 25 mg/dL): Moderate/high risk for DKA; call your doctor as soon as you can 3mmol/L or higher (54. 05 mg/dL): Extremely high risk for DKA; call emergency services for help[5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Urine testing kits are often color-coded—simply use take the test and compare your results to the key provided with the test. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source If your results say that your ketone levels are moderate or high, be sure to call your doctor. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Diabetes Association Health-based nonprofit focused on preventing and researching diabetes Go to source If your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL (13. 3 mmol/L), take these tests once every 4 to 6 hours to monitor your ketone levels. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Diabetes Association Health-based nonprofit focused on preventing and researching diabetes Go to source If you don’t have a ketone test on hand, ask a trusted friend or loved one to pick one up for you as soon as they can.
Always go to the hospital if your blood sugar levels are consistently above 16. 7 mmol/L (300 mg/dL), as well as if you’re throwing up, experiencing difficulty breathing, and/or have fruit-scented breath. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you aren’t hospitalized, your doctor will likely recommend that you drink plenty of fluids like juice, water, broth, and electrolyte-containing sports drinks. This helps get rid of the extra ketones in your body. [15] X Research source During diabetic ketoacidosis, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the amount of insulin that your body needs has changed and you aren’t giving it enough. Low levels of insulin in the body reduce your electrolyte numbers, which can interfere with your body’s functions. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
For example, you may have a bacterial infection, pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection. Some illnesses or infections can produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can block the effects of insulin. Missing treatments of insulin can also trigger diabetic ketoacidosis. Some medications or alcohol and drug abuse may also trigger the condition.
Stay hydrated (with water and sugar-free drinks) Monitor your blood sugar once per hour Eat structured meals as usual Relax and stay immobile Make sure to do exactly what your doctor suggests as you rest and recover at home. If your symptoms don’t seem to be getting any better (or seem to be getting worse), call emergency services. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you’re recovering at home, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your blood sugar. They’ll likely encourage you to eat something sweet and/or carb-rich to help boost your levels.
Certain medications can also put you at a higher risk for DKA, like dexamethasone, prednisone, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cedars Sinai Hospital Website of one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Some people may take more than 1 day to recover from DKA, but most people recover very quickly.
Talk with your doctor about how to adjust your insulin based on your blood sugar level, the foods you eat, your health, and your activity level.
You may need to check your blood sugar multiple times a day to get an accurate picture. If your blood sugar range varies a lot, get a sliding scale for dosing insulin based on your current glucose level. This scale might need to be adjusted when you are sick or your activity or appetite levels change.
