Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

With similar symptoms to common illnesses, DKA can be hard to detect but specific clues can help separate the two. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of DKA, to help recognize it early and ensure timely, targeted therapy.

The five primary signs and symptoms for diabetic ketoacidosis include

• Frequent/increased urination - High blood sugar levels may cause your child to urinate more than usual. Check a urine sample for glucose and ketones to help determine if DKA is present or not.
• Increased thirst - In response to frequent urination, your child may feel dehydrated and more thirsty than normal.
• Increased hunger - With high blood glucose levels, extra glucose spills into your child’s urine. This results in losing calories when your child urinates, potentially leaving your child extra hungry.
• Weight loss - Weight loss can occur over many weeks leading up to a diagnosis of diabetes.
• Flu-like symptoms - All of these signs may lead to flu-like symptoms such as vomiting/nausea, dry mouth, abdominal pain and some symptoms unique to DKA, like blurry vision and a fruity odor to your child’s breath. Always seek medical attention if your child has these symptoms.

Additional signs and symptoms may include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• High ketone levels in urine