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diabetic ketoacidosis

American  
[dahy-uh-bet-ik kee-toh-as-i-doh-sis, kee-toh‐] / ˌdaɪ əˈbɛt ɪk ˈki toʊˌæs ɪˈdoʊ sɪs, ˌki toʊ‐ /

noun

Pathology.
  1. a serious metabolic complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones. DKA


Etymology

Origin of diabetic ketoacidosis

First recorded in 1955–60; diabetic ( def. ) + ketoacidosis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rates of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication that occurs when insulin levels are so low that cells can no longer convert glucose into energy, were three times that of the rest of Los Angeles County.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

By the fourth day, she had died of diabetic ketoacidosis.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

Wyne asked, referring to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes most commonly associated with Type 1.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2024

The study also found a 26% higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes diagnosis during the first 12 months of the pandemic compared with the previous year.

From Washington Times • Jun. 30, 2023

One recent diabetic ketoacidosis patient was kept alive at Cascade because the Life Flight helicopter from Boise couldn’t navigate through thick fog.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

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