Which sign is commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?

Which sign is commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Fruity odor on breath
• C. Abdominal pain
• D. Hypothermia

Answer: (B)

Fruity odor on the breath signals diabetic ketoacidosis because it comes from acetone, a ketone produced in high amounts when insulin is deficient. This volatile breath scent is a classic and specific clue EMS providers look for in DKA, reflecting the body’s shift to ketone production and metabolic acidosis. While abdominal pain can occur with DKA and wheezing or hypothermia can appear with other conditions, the fruity odor is the most distinctive and commonly associated sign of DKA.

Fruity odor on the breath signals diabetic ketoacidosis because it comes from acetone, a ketone produced in high amounts when insulin is deficient. This volatile breath scent is a classic and specific clue EMS providers look for in DKA, reflecting the body’s shift to ketone production and metabolic acidosis. While abdominal pain can occur with DKA and wheezing or hypothermia can appear with other conditions, the fruity odor is the most distinctive and commonly associated sign of DKA.