When the body is unable to burn glucose it burns fat and this produces a chemical called ketones. This occurs when there is too little insulin for the amount of glucose in the body. Possible causes for this could be:
- Experiencing stress or illness such as fever,
- Having an infection.
- Omitting or taking too little insulin
- Eating more food than planned
- Improper storage of insulin
If left untreated, ketones continue to rise and can result in a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis, or DKA. This condition is quite serious and requires immediate medical attention. DKA is the most common cause of hospitalization and death among children and young adults with diabetes, and the leading cause of adverse
events for insulin pump users.