Diabetic Ketoacidosis (Dka) - Insulet OmniPod User Manual

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Insulin pods use rapid-acting insulin, so you have no long-acting
insulin in your body. If insulin delivery from the pod is inter-
rupted (an occlusion), your blood glucose can rise rapidly and
lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious—but totally
preventable—emergency that can occur if you ignore high
blood glucose levels.
If left untreated, DKA can cause breathing difficulties,
shock, coma, and eventually death.
Symptoms of DKA
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Fruity-smelling breath
Dry skin or tongue
Drowsiness
Rapid pulse
Labored breathing
The symptoms of DKA are much like those of the flu. Before
assuming you have the flu, check your blood glucose and check
for ketones to rule out DKA.
Up/Down Controller
Living with Diabetes
To avoid DKA
The easiest and most reliable way to avoid DKA is by checking
your blood glucose at least 4–6 times a day. Routine checks
allow you to identify and treat high blood glucose before DKA
develops.
To treat DKA
• Once you have begun treatment for high blood glucose,
check for ketones.
• If ketones are negative or trace, continue treating for high
blood glucose.
• If ketones are present, and you are feeling nauseated or ill,
immediately call your healthcare provider for guidance.
• If ketones are positive, but you are not feeling nauseated or ill,
replace the pod, using a new vial of insulin.
• Check blood glucose again after 2 hours. If blood glucose
level has not declined, immediately call your healthcare
provider for guidance.
If you need emergency attention, ask a friend or
family member to take you to the emergency
room or call an ambulance. Do NOT drive yourself.
User Info/Support Blood Glucose Records
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