Diabetes ketoacidosis is a very serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death. It typically happens in type 1 diabetes, but on rare occasions happens in type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce insulin or does not produce enough insulin for the body to function properly. Without the needed insulin, cells can’t get the glucose, or sugar, they need to create energy for the body. Therefore, the body begins to burn fat for energy. This produces a byproduct called ketones. When ketones, which are acids, build up in the bloodstream they poison the body and this causes diabetes ketoacidosis.

Luckily, over-the-counter test strips can be bought to see if ketone levels are high in your urine. Experts suggest that you check your urine anytime you blood glucose level is higher than 240 mg/dL or anytime you are sick. According to Diabetes.org, the warning …