Which of the following is a common complication of untreated hyperglycemia?

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and common complication arising from untreated hyperglycemia, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes. During episodes of prolonged high blood sugar levels, the body lacks sufficient insulin to let glucose enter the cells, leading to the breakdown of fats for energy. This process produces ketones, which can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause acidosis, resulting in various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and confusion. If not addressed promptly, DKA can escalate to life-threatening conditions.

While other conditions such as hypovolemia, hypertension, and stroke can occur in individuals with diabetes, they are not direct consequences of untreated hyperglycemia in the same way that DKA is. Hypovolemia can occur due to dehydration from excessive urination during high blood sugar episodes, but it is not a direct complication. Hypertension and stroke can also be associated with diabetes, especially over the long term, but they are not immediate outcomes of hyperglycemia like DKA is. DKA specifically arises from the metabolic derangements caused by untreated or poorly managed hyperglycemia and is a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention.