Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe medical complication commonly affecting individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). It can also occur in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) under certain conditions. DKA can be prevented by effective diabetes management strategies, however, delayed detection and treatment can lead to dire consequences.
Researchers recently conducted a study aiming to shed light on the risk factors associated with DKA in diabetic patients receiving treatment in public hospitals in the East Gojjam Zone of Northwestern Ethiopia. An unmatched case-control study was executed involving five public hospitals selected randomly in the East Gojjam Zone from April 10 through July 30, 2023. A systematic random sampling method engaged 408 study participants.
The study incorporated 102 cases and 306 controls, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to uncover significant associations between the studied variables. This analysis considered a confidence interval of 95%, necessarily implying a significance level of P < 0.05. The study identified some crucial risk factors that significantly intensify the likelihood of DKA. These include lack of regular follow-up, distance from a healthcare facility exceeding 5 km, a reduction in insulin dosage without proper medical guidance, lack of health insurance, and the presence of infections.
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic noncommunicable disease, leads to sustained elevations in blood sugar levels and altered protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. DM includes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Amongst the acute metabolic complications, DKA is prevalent, primarily seen in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and occasionally in those with type 2 diabetes.
Poor management of diabetes can trigger hyperglycemia. This condition can result in extensive damage to the heart, vascular system, eyes, kidneys, and peripheral nerves. Certain factors can significantly contribute to the development of DKA including poor adherence to insulin regimens, missed insulin doses, presence of infection, physical stressors, and substance addiction. Global incidence rates of DKA among adults with T1DM range from 0 to 56 per 1,000, and DKA mortality varies by regions.
In the African continent, DKA has precipitously risen, affecting both males and females in both urban and rural areas. To combat DKA and reduce mortality, countries have started implementing preventive strategies like diabetes self-management education, and adherence to treatment guidelines. Even then, DKA consistently remains a prevalent issue among diabetic patients in several countries, like Ethiopia.
In conclusion, it becomes essential that healthcare providers recognize and address the identified risk factors for DKA. This could be an effective way to reduce the occurrence of DKA.
Source: https://bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12902-025-02023-x