LEVEL 4 · DKA Warning Signs

⚠️ Clinical Tip: Rising acid levels can trigger multiple symptoms.

Correct. When acid in the blood climbs to a critical level, people can experience any mix of the following symptoms (everyone presents a little differently):

  • 🥱Weakness / fatigue
  • 😮‍💨Shortness of breath
  • 🌬️Rapid or deep breathing
  • 🤕Abdominal pain
  • 🤢Nausea / vomiting
  • 🚽Frequent urination
  • 💧Dehydration

These symptoms happen because three forces stack up: high blood sugar, high acid from ketones, and an electrolyte imbalance. Together, that’s Diabetic KetoAcidosis (DKA).

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A gloved hand holding a cylindrical container with ketone stripes for testing of ketone levels in diabetes, colored labels, spilling out paper strips with colored lines onto a white surface.

LEVEL UP • Ketone Strips

🆙 Power-Up Unlocked

Have ketone strips at home. Test whenever symptoms show up or you suspect DKA. DKA is a medical emergency 🚨 — quick testing helps you act fast.

  • 🧪What: Urine or blood ketone strips — keep an unexpired box.
  • ⏱️When to test: If you feel unwell, are vomiting, or sugars are running high.
  • 📞If moderate/high: Follow your sick-day plan and seek urgent medical care.