Studies suggest that most, if not all emergency department and hospital admissions beyond initial diabetes diagnosis could be prevented if people better managed their diabetes care and knew the warning signs when ketoacidosis was developing. Blood ketone testing provides a rapid, accurate, and early warning sign that ketones are rising and that your body is out of balance. By knowing this, steps can be taken at home to prevent DKA and avoid trips to the hospital.
A study done in a New York Hospital showed that if DKA was prevented at home it could save $250 for a physician visit, $2,500 for an emergency department visit, and approximately $25,000 for a hospital or intensive care
admission. There are lots of people without health insurance and this could be a terrible burden for them. No one wants a visit or admission to the hospital if it can be prevented. It is always traumatic and frightening, and simple management can prevent DKA from occurring.