User Manual

Living with Diabetes
117
9
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Ins
ulin Pods use rapid-acting insulin, so you have no long-acting
insulin in your body. If insulin delivery from the Pod is interrupted
(an occlusion), your blood glucose can rise rapidly and lead to
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious—but totally pre-
ventable—emergency that can occur if you ignore high blood
glucose levels.
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 4–6 times a day. Routine checks
allow you to identify and treat high blood glucose before DKA
develops.
To treat DKA
• Once you have begun treatment for high blood glucose,
check for ketones. Check for ketones any time your blood
glucose is 250 mg/dL or above.
• If ketones are negative or trace, continue treating for high
blood glucose.
• If ketones are present, and you are feeling nauseated or ill,
immediately call your healthcare provider for guidance.
• If ketones are positive, but you are not feeling nauseated or ill,
replace the Pod, using a new vial of insulin.
• Check blood glucose again after 2 hours. If blood glucose
level has not declined, immediately call your healthcare
provider for guidance.
If left untreated, DKA can cause breathing difficulties,
shock, coma, and eventually death.
If you need emergency attention, ask a friend or
family member to take you to the emergency
room or call an ambulance. Do NOT drive yourself.