What are common triggers of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes, primarily seen in Type 1 diabetes, and it can occur when the body has insufficient insulin. One of the most common triggers for DKA is an infection. Infections increase the body's metabolic demand for insulin and can lead to an elevation in blood glucose levels, which can contribute to the development of DKA. When the body is under stress from an infection, it may require more insulin than usual, and if this demand is not met, ketone production can increase, leading to acidosis.

Other factors, such as physiological stress from illness, non-compliance with insulin therapy, or even acute illnesses, can also exacerbate the likelihood of DKA. While excessive hydration, hypoglycemia, and increased exercise can affect blood glucose levels and overall diabetes management, they are not recognized as common triggers of DKA. Hydration usually helps to prevent DKA, hypoglycemia does not typically lead to ketone development, and while exercise is generally beneficial for blood sugar control, it can lead to DKA if combined with inadequate insulin.