Overview
A physical exam and blood tests can help diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis. In some cases, other tests may be needed to help find what caused the diabetic ketoacidosis.
Blood tests
Blood tests used in the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis will measure:
- Blood sugar level. If there isn’t enough insulin in the body to allow sugar to enter cells, the blood sugar level will rise. This is known as hyperglycemia. As the body breaks down fat and protein for energy, the blood sugar level will keep rising.
- Ketone level. When the body breaks down fat and protein for energy, acids known as ketones enter the bloodstream.
- Blood acidity. A too-high blood ketone level will cause the blood to become acidic. This can change how organs throughout the body work.
Other tests
Tests that can help find health problems that might have contributed to diabetic ketoacidosis and check for complications might include:
- Blood electrolyte tests
- Urinalysis
- Chest X-ray
- A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, also known as an electrocardiogram
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