Fact 11: Without enough insulin, T1D kids can't get energy from their food. This causes their cells to cannibalize muscle and other tissue. Ketones are acidic chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it increasingly acidic. High levels of ketones can poison the body and lead to coma or death. When Jake was admitted to the ICU and diagnosed on 8/29/15, he was in an advanced stage of DKA and his blood sugar was over 700 (100 is normal). lace decorated items of the long garments # diabeticketoacidosis # dka # diabetesawarenessmonth