How to Use This Calculator
What You Need
Blood Test Results
Get your pH, bicarbonate, and anion gap from blood work
Blood Sugar Level
Your current glucose reading in mg/dL
Mental Status
How awake and alert you are feeling
What You'll Get
Severity Level
Find out if DKA is mild, moderate, or severe
Treatment Plan
Learn what kind of hospital care is needed
Recovery Time
Know how long treatment usually takes
How the Calculator Works
The Checking Process
Check Blood Acid Level (pH)
Normal is 7.35-7.45. Lower numbers mean more acid in your blood
Check Bicarbonate
This helps your body fight acid. Low levels mean your body is struggling
Compare to Standards
We use medical guidelines to rate severity
Severity Levels
Mild DKA
pH 7.25-7.30, needs hospital care but usually okay
Moderate DKA
pH 7.00-7.24, needs close monitoring and treatment
Severe DKA
pH below 7.00, very serious, needs ICU care
The Classification Formula
Understanding DKA
What is DKA?
DKA happens when your body doesn't have enough insulin and starts burning fat for energy instead of sugar. This makes acids called ketones build up in your blood, making it too acidic.
Common Causes:
- • Missing insulin doses
- • Being sick with an infection
- • Not knowing you have diabetes
- • Insulin pump problems
Why It's Serious
DKA is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can cause brain swelling, breathing problems, and other life-threatening issues.
Good News:
- • Treatable with proper care
- • Most people recover fully
- • Can be prevented with good diabetes management
Risk Factors
Things that can increase your chances of getting DKA
High Risk Factors
These make DKA more likely:
- Missing insulin shots or pump problems
- Having the flu, cold, or other infection
- First time finding out you have diabetes
- Not checking blood sugar regularly
Other Triggers
Watch out for these too:
- Heart attack or stroke
- Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
- Certain medications (like steroids)
- Pregnancy
How to Prevent DKA
Daily Habits
Take Your Insulin
Never skip doses. Set phone alarms as reminders
Check Blood Sugar Often
Test at least 4 times a day, more when sick
Test for Ketones
Use ketone strips when blood sugar is over 240 mg/dL
When You're Sick
Keep Taking Insulin
You need insulin even if you're not eating
Drink Lots of Water
Helps flush out ketones and prevents dehydration
Call Your Doctor
Get help early if blood sugar stays high
Getting Accurate Test Results
For Blood Tests
- Blood must be drawn by trained medical staff
- Arterial blood is better than venous for pH
- Tests should be done quickly after drawing blood
For Glucose Testing
- Wash hands before finger stick tests
- Use a fresh test strip each time
- Make sure your meter isn't expired
When to Get Emergency Help
Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have:
Emergency Warning Signs:
- Blood sugar over 300 mg/dL that won't come down
- Vomiting and can't keep down food or water
- Moderate or high ketones in urine
- Fruity smell on your breath
- Very tired or confused
- Fast, deep breathing (like you just ran)
- Stomach pain
- Very dry mouth and extreme thirst
⚠️ Don't Wait!
DKA can get worse very quickly. It's better to go to the hospital and find out you're okay than to wait too long and get dangerously sick.