I have had DKA that required hospitalization I think 4 times. All very clearly my fault as a party-happy college student. I have to say that the hospital part was always the worst for me. I have collapsing veins and the unfortunate circumstance of ignorant and rude hospital staff stabbing me violently and over-treating. When I was admitted for one of the episdes my bloodsugar was about 350 and they wanted to give me 20 UNITS OF INSULIN because that was “protocol”. Needless to say… the IV fluids are necessary to stabilize during DKA but it can correct pretty quickly and when you start feeling better stay SUPER hydrated and be a little more zealous with the testing.
