Everyone's body needs fuel to turn into energy. Your body's first choice of fuel is glucose, which comes from the foods you eat. But if for any reason your body can't use glucose it has an alternative - fat. To use fat as a fuel your body first has to break it down into smaller pieces called ketones.

Everyone uses ketones as a source of fuel from time to time. However, if you use insulin to control your diabetes, you may occasionally be at risk from rising levels of ketones. High levels of ketones called Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are harmful to your body. This can develop for many reasons, but particularly when you are ill or stressed or if you have to change your treatment.

Early symptoms of DKA may include thirst or dry mouth, frequency of urination, or high blood glucose readings. If your ketones continue to rise this can lead to feeling ill, dry or flushed skin, blurred vision, lethargy and/or confusion, difficulty breathing and fruity odor on your breath.

If you suspect DKA, please contact your family physician immediately.