January 8, 2002
Hyperglycemia and DKA, Type 2
Question from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA:
I was told people with type 2 diabetes do not go into diabetic ketoacidosis. Is this true?
Answer:
As far as I know people with type 2 diabetes do not go into DKA [diabetic ketoacidosis]. They with type 2 can have high blood glucoses, but do not produce ketones (or break down fats for energy).
LSF
Additional comments from Dr. Jim Lane:
As a rule, I would agree that people with type 2 diabetes generally do not develop DKA. However, under severe stress (such as from another illness), they can develop DKA.
JTL
Additional comments from Dr. David Schwartz:
People with type 2 diabetes can indeed have ketosis, but not commonly so. Type 1has sometimes been referred to as “ketosis prone” and type 2 as “non- ketosis prone.” Type 2’s, in general, do not go into DKA, but it is not unheard of.
DS
