What is a potential consequence of untreated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious diabetes complication that arises when the body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate, leading to the build-up of ketones in the bloodstream. This process can result in severe acid-base imbalances due to the accumulation of ketones, which are acidic in nature.

When DKA is left untreated, the acidosis can lead to a variety of critical health issues, including coma. The body's pH level can drop significantly, resulting in an acidic environment that disrupts normal cellular functions and can impair conscious awareness. Coma is a direct consequence of this severe imbalance, manifesting as a state of unresponsiveness that may require urgent medical intervention.

Other choices do not align with the direct consequences of untreated DKA. For example, hypoglycemia generally occurs when there’s too much insulin or too little glucose available, which is opposite to the high glucose levels seen in DKA. Improved kidney function would not typically be seen as a result of DKA; in fact, kidneys may be negatively affected by the acidosis and dehydration that accompany it. Increased appetite is also not linked to DKA, as individuals typically experience a decreased ability to utilize glucose due to insulin deficiency, which can lead to