Our resource hub is home to a wealth of articles, stories and videos about managing and living with type 1 diabetes.
Place your order for our free information packs that support adults and children who have been recently diagnosed.
Our researchers are working on different ways to develop a cure for type 1 diabetes - from growing insulin-producing beta cells in labs to hacking the immune system.
Learn about the technologies that can deliver insulin automatically when needed. And discover the next generation of insulins that are currently being developed.
We have a wide range of fun and festive designs to choose from. Fund life changing research while spreading joy this Christmas!
This Christmas, your gift can bring us closer to a cure for type 1 diabetes – and every pound you give to our Christmas Appeal will be doubled.
The announcement is the biggest treatment breakthrough for type 1 diabetes since the discovery of insulin.
This event is designed for anyone living with type 1 diabetes who would like to learn more about managing their wellbeing across a variety of contexts.
We provide a wealth of information and free resources to help you support and empower your patients or students.
Take our free course for schools to learn more about supporting pupils with type 1 diabetes in educational settings.
Home > Knowledge & support > Managing type 1 diabetes > Managing blood glucose levels > What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when a severe lack of insulin means the body cannot use glucose for energy and starts to break down fat instead. Organic compounds called ketones are the by-product of the breakdown of fat and, if left unchecked, can build up and cause the blood to become acidic.
The NHS describes the main symptoms of DKA as:
If you are experiencing these symptoms you must call 999. DKA is very serious and can be fatal.
DKA can occur when you’re ill, stressed, during a growth spurt or puberty, or if you haven’t taken enough insulin.
Monitoring your ketone levels can help you to detect high ketone levels and seek medical attention.
Find out more about ketones and how to monitor them.
“While diabetes can be difficult to navigate after a coma of that nature (and generally!), I was able to learn a lot from it.”
Learn what to look out for, how to measure for ketones, what the results mean and if you need to do anything.
Information and support on how to manage your blood glucose levels, count carbs and deal with hypos and hypers.
We invest in research across the world and here in the UK. Find out how we’re pushing boundaries towards the next type 1 breakthrough.