Keto-acidosis is a serious condition associated with illness or very
high blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 1 diabetes. It develops
gradually over hours or days.
It is a sign of insufficient insulin. Without enough insulin, the
bodys cells cannot use glucose for energy. To make up for this, the
body begins to burn fat for energy instead. This leads to accumulation
of dangerous chemical substances in the blood called ketones, which also
appear in the urine.
Symptoms of Keto-acidosis
High blood glucose level and moderate to heavy ketones* in the urine
with:
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed cheeks
- Abdominal pain
- Sweet acetone smell on the breath
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
This is medical emergency and can be life threatening if not treated
properly. If these symptoms are present, contact your doctor or go to
hospital.
*See Testing Urine
for instructions on how to test for ketones in the urine.
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