User's Manual

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Insulin pumps use only rapid-acting insulin. Because there is
no reserve of long-acting insulin in the body, any occlusion or
interruption in insulin delivery can rapidly 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.
To avoid DKA
The easiest and most reliable way to avoid DKA is by checking
your blood glucose at least 4 to 6 times a day. Routine checks
allow you to identify and treat high blood glucose before DKA
develops.
To treat DKA
1. Once you have begun treatment for high blood glucose,
check for ketones.
2. If ketones are negative or trace, continue treating for high
blood glucose.
3. If ketones are positive, but you are not feeling nauseated or
ill, replace the pump, using a new vial of insulin.
4. If ketones are present and you are feeling nauseated or ill,
immediately call your healthcare provider for guidance.
5. Check blood glucose again after 2 hours. If blood glucose
level has not declined, immediately call your healthcare
provider for guidance. If you need to go to the emergency
room for further treatment, do NOT drive yourself: either call
an ambulance or have a friend or family member drive you.
78 iXL™ Diabetes Management System User Guide: Achieve Healthy, Safe Pumping
Achieve Healthy, Safe Pumping8