Santé et glycémie
Qu'est-ce que l'acidocétose diabétique?
Publié: Dec. 31, 2025
Mis à jour: Jan. 15, 2026
6 temps de lecture
Experiencing high blood sugar because there’s too little insulin in the body can lead to a diabetes complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.1,2 Diabetic ketoacidosis can become serious very quickly, so it’s smart to be prepared to prevent or manage it by learning more about what diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms can look like, how to test for it, and what steps to take if you or your loved one experiences it.1
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a serious condition that happens if the body doesn’t have enough insulin to effectively absorb sugar, or glucose, and use it for energy.1,3,4 When the body can’t access glucose, it converts the fatty acids that make up fat into chemicals called ketones to use for fuel instead. If steps aren’t taken to increase insulin levels, ketones build up in the blood and make it more acidic.3 This can cause severe symptoms that may lead to a medical emergency.3
DKA typically occurs alongside high glucose levels, which is known as hyperglycemia. While the body creates ketones, it also tells the liver to release extra stored glucose into the bloodstream.2 As the level of glucose and ketones increases, the body flushes them out through the urine. This process depletes water in the body along with electrolytes—essential minerals that the body needs to function—leading to dehydration.6,7 If left untreated, DKA can result in very serious complications including low potassium levels, brain swelling, organ damage, and, in severe cases, heart attack or coma.2,3
How long does it take to recover from diabetic ketoacidosis?
Over 95 percent of people who experience DKA make a full recovery.3,7 Most people who get treatment for DKA right away recover in about a day or so.3 DKA is treated in the hospital with IV insulin, fluids, and electrolytes. Serious cases of DKA accompanied by complications require a longer recovery time.3,8
Common diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms
Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms appear suddenly and may become serious within 24 hours.1,3 Sometimes, the symptoms of DKA are the first sign someone has diabetes.3 Many children who develop diabetes experience DKA leading up to a diagnosis, so it’s a good idea for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be able to recognize the symptoms. , If you or your child start showing signs of DKA, it’s critical to get medical attention right away.
A few common symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis to look out for include:1,3,8
- Urinating more often than normal
- Being very thirsty
- Having breath that smells fruity or like acetone nail polish remover
- Experiencing stomach pain or nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling weak or sleepy
- Being short of breath
- Feeling or behaving confused
- Experiencing blurred vision
Diabetic ketoacidosis causes
It’s not always easy to tell why your glucose levels go up. Understanding why DKA might happen can empower you to prevent it. Here are just a handful of diabetic ketoacidosis causes:
- Missing an insulin dose or not giving yourself enough insulin3,8
- Having issues with your insulin pump3,8
- Using expired or spoiled insulin3
- Being sick or having an infection, especially pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or skin infections2,3,8
- Experiencing an injury or going through surgery2,8
- Experiencing intense stress or emotional trauma3
- Having high glucose levels during your period8
- Interactions with other medications3
Planning for sick days to lower the risk of DKA
Those living with T1D may have a greater risk of experiencing DKA when they’re fighting a cold, flu, or other illness or infection.1,3,8 Be sure to work with your doctor to create a sick day plan that outlines how to manage your insulin dosing schedule and whether you need to adjust certain diabetes medications. You can use this example sick day plan to help guide you. Diabetes Canada recommends checking your glucose levels more often when you’re sick and making sure you stay hydrated.6
Testing for ketone levels
It’s smart to keep at-home ketone urine test strips or a ketone blood meter in your diabetes emergency kit. It’s also a good idea to ensure that children living with diabetes keep a ketone test with them that they can use at school, sports practice, sleepovers, and any other extracurricular activities. For those living with T1D, Diabetes Canada recommends taking a urine or blood ketone test if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of DKA or if your glucose levels are over 14 mmol/L when you check before eating a meal—meaning your glucose has remained high even though you haven’t eaten in a while.6
Urine test strips change colour to give a general indication of the level of ketones in the body. Blood ketone meters measure the exact amount of ketones at the time of testing. Talk with your diabetes care team about how to use these ketone tests and what you should do if you have elevated ketone levels.
How to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis
People who have been newly diagnosed with T1D have the highest risk of experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis.3 Taking immediate action if you notice elevated glucose levels or the symptoms of DKA may help you catch it before it becomes serious. Closely monitoring your glucose levels when you’re sick and checking your ketones can also help you get ahead of DKA.6,8
Building habits that help you stay within your ideal glucose range as often as possible and making sure your insulin dosing schedule is working for you can help reduce the overall likelihood of experiencing DKA.1,3,8 Diabetes Canada generally recommends that people living with diabetes aim to keep their glucose between 3.9 mmol/L and 10.0 mmol/L. Following your diabetes management plan and getting support with your insulin routine, if you need it, can help you increase time in range (TIR). Eating nourishing, diabetes-friendly meals throughout the day, making time for movement, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are just a few ways you can support healthy glucose levels.