Why might a patient with DKA feel very fatigued?

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may feel very fatigued primarily due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In DKA, the body begins to break down fat for fuel due to a lack of insulin, leading to the production of ketones, which are acids that build up in the bloodstream. This process can cause significant shifts in fluid levels and lead to dehydration, especially as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose through urine. This loss of fluids contributes to overall weakness and fatigue.

Additionally, DKA disrupts the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for proper muscle and nerve function. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and confusion, further compounding the sense of exhaustion a patient experiences. Therefore, the combination of dehydration from excessive urination and the disturbances in electrolyte levels is a significant factor in the fatigue felt by individuals experiencing DKA.