Diabetic ketacidosis is one of the diabetic conditions that can be difficult to distinguish, this is because it can mimic the flu or viral infection. There are ways to test for this condition with over the counter urine ketone testing kits, which along with frequent blood glucose testing can help to decide if it is a viral infection, the flu or diabetic ketacidosis.

Because there are other causes of this condition like stress, surgery, and infection it is important for the diabetic to watch the blood glucose and urine ketones closely. The physician should be consulted in cases where:

• The blood sugar level does not respond to insulin therapy
• There are high levels of ketones in the urine
• When there are multiple symptoms, such as: excessive thirst, loss of appetite, excessive urine output, abdominal pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, fruity scented breath or confusion.