Sick Day Management (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)
Diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA is a serious complication of type 1 (‘insulin-dependent’) diabetes. Typically, DKA occurs during ‘sick days’ and when insulin therapy is not optimal and so it is important that people with diabetes have an action plan during these times. Detecting DKA is important as it can progress rapidly (in less than 24 hours) and people with DKA do better if treated early. In the initial stages, the task of detecting DKA often falls on people with diabetes themselves or, in the case of children, their parents or other carers.
The key priority when DKA is suspected is for people with diabetes to recognise it is serious and communicate with their healthcare team and, if necessary, present for emergency treatment. It is important that people who may be developing DKA do not become overly reliant on monitoring their condition using BGL or ketone testing. ‘Keeping an eye on it’ does not do anything to stop DKA getting worse and progressing to a medical emergency. Once DKA is suspected, people with diabetes should seek treatment.