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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute and dangerous complication that is always a medical emergency. Lack of insulin causes the liver to turn fat into ketone bodies, a fuel mainly used by the brain. Elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood decrease the blood's pH, leading to most of the symptoms of DKA. On presentation at hospital, the patient in DKA is typically dehydrated and is breathing rapidly and deeply. Abdominal pain is common and may be severe. The level of consciousness is typically normal until late in the process, when lethargy may progress to coma. Ketoacidosis can become severe enough to cause hypotension, shock, and death. Analysis of the urine reveals significant levels of ketone bodies present (which spill over from the blood when the kidneys filter blood). Prompt proper treatment usually results in full recovery, though death can result from inadequate or delayed treatment, or from complications. Ketoacidosis is much more common in type 1 diabetes than type 2.

I have a query. My dad is suffering from diabetes from past 18 yrs and recently his sugar level was fluctuating too much like some day 90 and the other 400 or above. So we consulted a new diabetes specialist he gave some medicines his blood sugar lowered and was even controlled. Then suddenly he started having pain in his lower abdomen. Then after tests it was found that in his urine a considerable amount of ketone was found. Our general physician prescribed to stop the new medication immediately and consulted another doc he said the medicine was not suiting him. Now he feels better but the sugar level is not controlled. can he be suffering from what u mentioned please advice...