10 Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Type 1 Diabetes.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 27 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
- 2. 'DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones.' DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones | ADA, [www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones.](http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones.)
- 3. Gallo de Moraes, Alice, and Salim Surani. 'Effects of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the Respiratory System.' World Journal of Diabetes, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 15 Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6347653
Pear Drop Breath
One of the most distinctive signs of ketoacidosis is a breath that smells like pear drops or nail polish remover. This happens when the body desperately tries to restore blood acid levels to normal and uses any way it can to expel excess ketones. In this case, via breathing out.
Unusual smelling breath is one of the most distinctive symptoms of DKA. However, given the risk of this sign being influenced by food or drinks that are consumed, it's not the only assessment.
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