---
title: "Diabetic ketoacidosis: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Diabetic ketoacidosis warning signs, ketone testing, sick-day safety and when to call 999."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/
robots: noindex
---

# Diabetic ketoacidosis: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Diabetic ketoacidosis warning signs, ketone testing, sick-day safety and when to call 999.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What is diabetic ketoacidosis? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication caused by too little insulin. Symptoms include intense thirst, frequent urination, tummy pain, vomiting, deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, drowsiness or confusion. It requires urgent hospital treatment.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about diabetic ketoacidosis

- DKA is most common in type 1 diabetes but can occur in other situations.
- Illness, missed insulin or a new diagnosis can trigger it.
- Blood ketone results should be acted on using the person's diabetes sick-day plan.

## Warning symptoms

Watch for worsening thirst and urination, [dry mouth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/dry-mouth/), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, marked tiredness and confusion.

## Ketones and sick days

People given a ketone meter should know their team’s thresholds and contact details. Illness can increase [insulin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/insulin/) needs even when appetite is poor.

## Emergency treatment

DKA needs hospital monitoring because dehydration and changes in potassium and acidity can become dangerous quickly.

## ! When to see a GP about diabetic ketoacidosis

Follow your diabetes team's emergency advice for raised ketones. Call **999** or go to A&E for DKA symptoms, high ketones with worsening illness, repeated vomiting, deep or difficult breathing, drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive yourself.

## Common questions about diabetic ketoacidosis

Can DKA be the first sign of diabetes? Yes, particularly in type 1 diabetes. Thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and worsening illness need urgent testing. Should I stop insulin when I am not eating? Do not stop insulin without specific professional advice. Follow your individual sick-day rules and check glucose and ketones as directed. How is DKA treated? Hospital treatment uses intravenous fluids, insulin and electrolyte monitoring while the trigger is treated.

## Sources

- [NHS — Diabetic ketoacidosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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