Diabetic Ketoacidosis C0011880
A serious condition where lack of insulin causes dangerous acid buildup in the blood. Requires immediate hospital treatment with insulin and fluid replacement.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E88.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- metabolic
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Fatigue or weight changes
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Kussmaul breathing
Nausea/vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Abdominal pain
(gastrointestinal)Fruity breath odor
(respiratory)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
IV Insulin Therapy
Intravenous regular insulin infusion is the cornerstone of DKA treatment, working to suppress hepatic glucose production and promote peripheral glucose utilization. Therapy is typically continued until blood glucose falls below 200-250 mg/dL and anion gap closes.
Minimally invasive procedural intervention
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Aggressive Fluid Resuscitation
Isotonic saline solution is administered to restore intravascular volume and correct severe dehydration. After initial resuscitation, fluid type may be adjusted based on corrected sodium levels to prevent cerebral edema.
Additional treatment options
Electrolyte and Acid-Base Monitoring
Frequent laboratory monitoring of potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, and anion gap guides ongoing therapy adjustments. Replacement of potassium is essential once levels fall below 5.2 mEq/L and urine output is established.
monitoringArterial Blood Gas Analysis
Serial ABG measurements assess acid-base status and guide treatment response. Resolution of acidosis is a key indicator of successful DKA management and informs when to transition from IV to subcutaneous insulin.
procedureMedical Nutrition Therapy
Once acute phase resolves, individualized meal planning helps restore normal carbohydrate metabolism. Consistent carbohydrate intake paired with appropriate insulin dosing prevents glycemic fluctuations during recovery.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis C0011880?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes - 2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(Suppl 1):S1-S291.
Kitabchi AE, Umpierrez GE, Miles JM, Fisher JN. Hyperglycemic Crises in Adult Patients with Diabetes: A Consensus Statement from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(11):2459-2469.
Mandel SR, Langan S, Mathieu R, et al. Subcutaneous Insulin Regimens for Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2022;10(3):e002756.
Panzer J, Wendt J, Schmidt H, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Early Subcutaneous Insulin Versus IV Insulin in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(8):e2851-e2860.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Diabetic Ketoacidosis C0011880. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy