What is the primary symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis?

The primary symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is high blood sugar levels, which leads to the production of ketones. DKA is a serious complication of diabetes, primarily seen in individuals with type 1 diabetes, although it can occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes as well.

In DKA, insufficient insulin leads to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream. When insulin levels are low or absent, the body cannot use glucose for energy, prompting the liver to metabolize fat instead. This process produces ketones, which can accumulate in the blood and result in acidity. The presence of high levels of ketones contributes to the characteristic symptoms of DKA, including fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered mental status.

Understanding that high blood sugar is the catalyst for the onset of DKA is crucial for recognizing and managing this life-threatening condition. Other symptoms may accompany DKA, but the elevation of blood glucose and subsequent ketone production is the central issue that defines the condition.