InsulinInsulin hormone, Insulin injectionInsulin is the hormone made by the pancreas that moves glucose out of the blood and into cells. As a medicine it replaces or supplements what the body cannot produce, and it is given by injection because stomach acid would destroy it.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Also known as DKA
A medical emergency in which a severe lack of insulin makes the body burn fat for fuel, flooding the blood with acids called ketones.
Without enough , cannot get into the cells however much of it is in the blood. The body turns to fat instead, and the acids produced — ketones — build up until the blood itself becomes acidic.
Who it happens to
It is most common in type 1 diabetes, and can be the very first sign of it in a child or young adult. It also happens in type 2 diabetes during serious infection, after missed insulin doses, or with some newer diabetes medicines.
It is treatable, and treated early the outlook is good. Treated late it is life-threatening.
Related terms
- Type 1 diabetesInsulin-dependent diabetes, Juvenile diabetesA form of diabetes where the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, so insulin injections are needed for life.
- KetonesAcids the body makes when it burns fat instead of sugar for energy. Small amounts are normal; large amounts in someone with diabetes are dangerous.
- HyperglycaemiaHigh blood sugar, HyperglycemiaBlood sugar that is too high. It builds up slowly and often causes thirst, frequent urination and tiredness.