Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Have the Highest Rates of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/young-adults-type-1-diabetes-show-highest-ketoacidosis-rates-2026a10011ci
The Study
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes that occurs when the body lacks enough insulin and produces excessive ketones, causing the blood to become dangerously acidic. A recent real-world study examined DKA rates and risk factors among 2,685 people with type 1 diabetes over 12 months to better understand who is most vulnerable to this potentially life-threatening complication.
What Researchers Found
About 4.5% of participants experienced at least one DKA episode during the study period. Young adults aged 18–24 had the highest rate, with more than 10% experiencing DKA. Younger age, being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at an earlier age, and higher blood sugar levels were also associated with increased risk.
The researchers also found that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery systems were associated with lower DKA rates than older diabetes-management approaches. People who experienced DKA were also more likely to experience severe hypoglycemia, suggesting that some individuals face risks from both dangerously high and dangerously low blood sugar.
Why This Matters
Young adulthood can be a challenging period for diabetes management, particularly as people take on more responsibility for their care and transition to adult healthcare services. Identifying those at greatest risk may help healthcare professionals provide more targeted education, follow-up, and access to diabetes technology. However, the study's findings on technology show associations and do not establish that device use alone prevents DKA.
The Takeaway
Young adults with type 1 diabetes, particularly those aged 18–24, may face a higher risk of DKA. Better access to diabetes technology, individualized support, and closer monitoring of people at high risk may help reduce the risk of this serious complication of type 1 diabetes.
