Diabetic ketoacidosis, also referred to as DKA, is a potentially dangerous side effect of diabetes, but it does not only affect adults. Diabetic ketoacidosis in children is also a common occurrence. DKA happens when the body experiences a deficiency in insulin, the hormone that the cells use for fuel. When this happens, the body will begin to drain other resources in the body to get energy. The hormone adrenaline will kick in, which is when DKA becomes dangerous because it will begin to break down fatty acids from muscles, fat and liver cells, converting them to insulin. According to Medscape Reference, an online resource that addresses drugs, diseases and procedures, diabetic ketoacidosis in children “is the most important cause of mortality and severe morbidity.”

A child who may be experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis are susceptible to experiencing symptoms in many areas of the body. For example, their digestive system may be …