Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute metabolic complication caused by a severe deficiency of insulin in the body. It presents with abnormally elevated blood glucose, ketone bodies in the urine, abnormally increased symptoms of thirst, excessive drinking, polyuria and wasting, and generalized lethargy, weakness, and even coma. Arterial blood gas examination shows metabolic acidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a relatively common acute complication, most commonly seen in type 1 diabetic patients. Before the discovery of insulin, type 1 diabetic patients often died early due to ketoacidosis, and after the introduction of insulin, the mortality rate of type 1 diabetes has been greatly reduced, from 60% in the past to less than 1% at present. However, in case of serious emergencies or improper treatment, the disease can still be a direct threat to the life and health of the patient. The evolution of ketoacidosis Ketoacidosis often occurs in type 1 diabetes. However, some type 2 diabetic patients can also develop it in various emergency situations. Predisposing factors of ketoacidosis It is important to understand the specific predisposing factors of ketoacidosis. Eliminating and avoiding these factors can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of diabetic ketoacidosis. Any condition that can cause severe insulin deficiency in the body can trigger ketoacidosis. type 1 diabetes is mostly due to insulin interruption or deficiency, or insulin failure, while type 2 diabetes often occurs in various emergency situations. 1, patients stop insulin injection by themselves 2, various infections 3, overeating 4, alcohol abuse 5, pregnancy and childbirth 6, disease, trauma, surgery and other emergency situations 7, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents and mental stimulation. Early detection of diabetic ketoacidosis The duration of diabetic ketoacidosis usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks, and a few young people may become comatose within a few hours after the onset of the disease. Dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness and extreme fatigue. At this point, the patient should: measure blood glucose: in ketoacidosis, blood glucose is often greater than 16.7 mmol/L (300 mg/dl). Measure urine glucose and ketone bodies: urine glucose (++++ or more) and positive ketone bodies. Patients who are not in a position to self-monitor urine ketone bodies should go to the hospital immediately for urine ketone body testing. What should I do if ketone bodies are present in my urine? The presence of ketone bodies in the urine is an early red flag for the development of diabetic ketoacidosis. It often requires immediate medical attention. However, before and during the trip to the hospital, patients should not wait for hospital treatment, but should actively do the following things: Continue the original insulin injection treatment, do not stop insulin injection because of low food intake. Drink plenty of water, salt water is best. Discontinue the use of biguanide hypoglycemic drugs, such as hypoglycemic (phenylephrine) and hypoglycemic tablets (metformin). Monitor blood glucose and urine ketone bodies every 2 hours. Go to the hospital promptly or contact your doctor promptly. Upon arrival, further treatment will be directed by your doctor. Prevention of ketoacidosis Do not discontinue regular insulin therapy with superstitious belief in prescriptions and drugs. Adhere to regular diet, exercise and medication. In case of illness or emergency, contact your doctor and adjust your treatment in time. Adhere to the necessary blood glucose and urinary ketone monitoring. If blood glucose is consistently higher than 13 mmol/L, urinary ketone should be monitored. ? Ketoacidosis can be prevented by correctly preventing the appearance of various triggers.