Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms most consistent with the condition include increased thirst and frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and confusion due to the excess ketones and glucose in the patient's blood.
The signs and symptoms consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a patient with type 1 diabetes include: increased thirst and frequent urination, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain and confusion. These symptoms arise from the body's response to high levels of ketone bodies and acidity in the blood, caused by the breakdown of fats instead of glucose for energy.
The excessive production of ketone bodies leads to ketoacidosis, resulting in rapid breathing to compensate for acidosis and potentially causing a fruity-smelling breath from exhaled acetone.
Conditions such as dehydration, due to increased urination and thirst, also occur as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose and ketones. These symptoms together with the specific lab findings are indicative for the diagnosis of DKA.