Awareness and knowledge of diabetic ketoacidosis in people with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional, multicenter survey

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate awareness and knowledge of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a common and potentially life-threatening complication in people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A survey was developed to assess individuals' current knowledge, management, and unmet needs regarding DKA. The study was conducted in six Swiss and three German endocrine outpatient clinics specialized in the treatment of diabetes.

RESULTS: A total of 333 participants completed the questionnaire (45.7% female, mean age of 47 years, average duration of T1D at 22 years). Surprisingly, 32% of individuals were not familiar with the term 'diabetic ketoacidosis'. Participants rated their own knowledge of DKA significantly lower than their physicians (p<0.0001). 46% of participants were unable to name a symptom of DKA, and 45% were unaware of its potential causes. 64% of participants did not test for ketones at all. A significant majority (67%) of individuals expressed the need for more information about DKA.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated in specialized centers, knowledge of DKA was found to be inadequate, with a lack of understanding regarding symptoms and causes. Healthcare professionals tended to overestimate individuals' knowledge. Future efforts should focus on addressing these knowledge gaps and incorporating protective factors into the treatment of T1D.