Economic Impact of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the United States

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe complication of diabetes, primarily affecting individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, one-third of hospitalized cases involve type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although DKA typically presents with hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL), the increased use of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in addition to other conditions that can increase the risk of euglycemic DKA, or DKA with normal glucose levels, has been growing. DKA hospitalizations in the United States have risen significantly. From 2009 to 2014, hospitalization rates increased 54.9%. Despite a mortality rate of <2%, the growing prevalence of diabetes continues to drive DKA-related hospitalizations, posing a significant health and economic burden. This article examines the prevalence and economic impact of DKA among various diabetes populations in the United States.