What are common triggers for DKA in patients with type 1 diabetes?

What are common triggers for DKA in patients with type 1 diabetes?

• A. Illness, infection, nonadherence to insulin, pump failure, severe dehydration, stress.
• B. Excess weight gain only.
• C. Low-carb diet only.
• D. Sleep deprivation only.

Answer: (A)

DKA happens when insulin is too low relative to the body's needs, especially during times of stress. Illness or infection triggers the release of stress hormones that raise blood glucose and promote ketone production. If insulin delivery is interrupted—such as missing doses, pump failure, or poor adherence—the body cannot curb glucose production and ketogenesis, allowing acidosis to develop. Severe dehydration worsens this process by concentrating ketones and glucose and reducing kidney clearance. So common triggers are illness, infection, not taking insulin, pump problems, dehydration, and stress. Choices like excess weight gain alone, a low-carb diet alone, or sleep deprivation alone don’t typically provoke DKA.

DKA happens when insulin is too low relative to the body's needs, especially during times of stress. Illness or infection triggers the release of stress hormones that raise blood glucose and promote ketone production. If insulin delivery is interrupted—such as missing doses, pump failure, or poor adherence—the body cannot curb glucose production and ketogenesis, allowing acidosis to develop. Severe dehydration worsens this process by concentrating ketones and glucose and reducing kidney clearance. So common triggers are illness, infection, not taking insulin, pump problems, dehydration, and stress. Choices like excess weight gain alone, a low-carb diet alone, or sleep deprivation alone don’t typically provoke DKA.