How to Recognize and Treat DKA: It Can Save Your Life!

Although DKA is not a common occurrence for most people with diabetes, it can happen to anyone on insulin (and has even happened to Dr. E and Dr. P). That’s why it’s crucial to know DKA warning signs and the treatment protocol so you can address it quickly if it does occur.

How to Recognize and Treat DKA: It Can Save Your Life!

 

This video was supported through a sponsorship from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

 

Additional Resources:

How to Keep DKA at Bay: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

9 Comments
  1. This topic is incredibly important – recognizing and treating DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) can truly be lifesaving. As someone who’s either living with diabetes or caring for someone who does, you’re wise to educate yourself on this serious complication. Early detection and prompt treatment of DKA are crucial for preventing dangerous outcomes. The article’s emphasis on “It Can Save Your Life!” really drives home how critical this knowledge is. I hope the content provides clear, actionable information on the warning signs to watch for and the steps to take if DKA is suspected. For those managing diabetes, staying informed about potential emergencies like this is an essential part of self-care. If you have any specific questions about DKA after reading, I’d be happy to discuss further.

  2. Avatar

    I’m an 80 year old male who’s had diabetes for 60 years. It’s been tough. Recently (25 years ago) I had a stroke: my right leg and arm plus I have aphasia.
    I find your videos to CC be very helpful and, seriously, kind of funny.
    Thanks for your work!

  3. Avatar

    Amazing information, DR E & P, really very helpful to know, how to treat it outpatient especially
    if the person is in the early stages of DKA and we can actually stop the transition to full-blown DKA,
    and can truly prevent it!

    Just a really curious question, we are administering insulin, along with lots of fluids, and carbs(30gm) to shut off ketone body production, are we worried about derangements in electrolytes especially Potassium(K+) during this process especially while guiding the outpatient management? any management ideas on that especially in terms of outpatient management?

    Will the management change for euglycemic DKA especially in outpatient settings?

    Also, continuous ketone monitoring will I think be a really positive addition to CGM maybe it can help detect DKA in early stages and even prevent it, really great ideas!
    Will continuous ketone monitoring detect Beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood or interstitial fluid?

    • Hi Shruti,
      Here are the answers to your questions:
      1) Are we worried about derangements in electrolytes especially Potassium(K+) during this process especially while guiding the outpatient management?
      Absolutely not. I would worry about potassium if you don’t treat, and DKA progresses.
      2) Any management ideas on that especially in terms of outpatient management?
      These suggestions are for outpatient management.
      3) Will the management change for euglycemic DKA especially in outpatient settings?
      No, but the real challenge will be for people to recognize euglycemic DKA if their blood sugars are not super elevated.
      4) Will continuous ketone monitoring detect Beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood or interstitial fluid?
      Yes. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is really the best indicator of DKA.

      • Avatar

        Thank you so much, Dr Edelman!

        Amazing video! I understood the concept of DKA so much better! Thank you so much for the great answers!

        I feel it is really helpful information for both patients and their healthcare providers.

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