Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a person with diabetes type 1 or 2 has dangerously high levels of ketones in the body. It can be a medical emergency. Share on Pinterest Caíque de Abreu/Getty ...

Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LNDDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to utilize glucose (sugar) for energy.