March 12, 2026- Abbott announced new real-world data that reveal a growing global burden of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The findings also show significant gaps in early detection of rising ketones among people with diabetes and healthcare providers.
DKA occurs when ketones build up in the blood to dangerous levels — often before symptoms are recognized — and can have serious health consequences. In fact, DKA is a leading cause of death for people under 58 with Type 1 diabetes. And, while traditionally associated with Type 1 diabetes, DKA is increasingly affecting people with Type 2 diabetes as well.
Across three studies from the United Kingdom, France and the United States, researchers found that DKA rates are rising, ketone monitoring remains inconsistent even among highly engaged users of diabetes technology, and clinicians lack standardized guidance on when and how to intervene before DKA develops. Together, the findings highlight a dangerous and widening gap between awareness of DKA and the ability to detect rising ketones early enough to prevent it. These data were presented today at the 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in Barcelona, Spain.