In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), what happens to blood glucose levels?

In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), blood glucose levels are typically elevated, often exceeding 350 mg/dL. This significant increase in blood glucose results from insulin deficiency, which leads to an inability to effectively utilize glucose for energy. Instead, the body starts breaking down fat for fuel, producing ketones as a byproduct, which contributes to the metabolic acidosis seen in DKA. The presence of high blood glucose levels is a hallmark of this condition and is critical for diagnosis and management. Therefore, recognizing that blood glucose levels are usually above 350 mg/dL in DKA is essential for understanding the physiological changes occurring during this metabolic crisis.