Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication caused by profound lack of insulin. Before being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, kids and adults are at risk for developing DKA, especially if their symptoms are dismissed as flu or some other illness. Untreated, DKA leads to death. Even when treated, DKA can lead to serious health consequences, including brain swelling resulting in permanent brain damage. Given the seriousness of DKA, it's critically important that anyone presenting symptoms of type 1 diabetes have a glucose check performed.

If you'd like to help raise awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes in your community, visit the Life for a Child DKA Awareness Campaign web site and download the posters in PDF format.