Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):

1. What could cause me to develop diabetic ketoacidosis?
   
   
2. At what point would a high level of ketones (ketosis) in me be considered ketoacidosis?
   
   
3. How would DKA be diagnosed in me?
   
   
4. Can DKA happen to anyone with diabetes? Am I at high risk?
   
   
5. Should I check my ketone levels at home? How often? Under what circumstances should I perform ketone tests more frequently?
   
   
6. What symptoms of DKA should I watch out for?
   
   
7. Should I avoid exercising if my ketones and blood sugar are high? Should I eat something or avoid eating?
   
   
8. What action should I take if DKA may be developing? Should I be transported to a hospital? Will I need to be treated with intravenous insulin?
   
   
9. What complications could DKA cause me?
   
   
10. Do I need to stop taking antidiabetic agents or any other medications when experiencing DKA?
    
    
11. Am I likely to make a full recovery? How soon will I be back on my feet?
    
    
12. How can I reduce my risk of diabetic ketoacidosis?
    
    
13. Will you devise a sick-day plan to help me prevent DKA and other diabetic complications?
    
    
14. Can I help manage my diabetes with a controlled-carbohydrate diet without risking DKA?
    
    
15. If my child has diabetes, what else do I need to know about diabetic ketoacidosis?