Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when the body’s insulin levels are insufficient, leading to the breakdown of fat for fuel. This produces ketones that can turn blood dangerously acidic. If untreated, it can cause dehydration, coma, or death, highlighting the need for tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and dual-analyte sensors to manage and prevent these issues.
While DKA accounts for only 1% of all diabetes-related hospitalizations, it plays a significant role in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) care, representing 30% of T1D admissions. For many newly diagnosed patients (17%–24%), DKA is the first sign of the disease. Additionally, recurrent episodes disproportionately affect a small subset of patients; in one study, 5.8% of patients accounted for over 26% of DKA hospitalizations.
A lack of awareness remains a major barrier to prevention. Nearly half of T1D patients don’t know the causes or symptoms of DKA, and almost 64% don’t test for ketones at all. This leads to severe consequences, including a post-hospitalization mortality rate 13 times higher than the general population within one year. Education and awareness are critical to improving these outcomes.
The financial toll of DKA hospitalizations further underscores the need for better management solutions. On average, hospital stays last three to four days, with costs ranging from $21,215 to $36,600 per admission. About half of adult DKA hospitalizations are linked to insulin omission, signaling the urgent need for improved adherence and monitoring technologies.
Advancements in diabetes technology offer hope. For example, studies have shown significant reductions in DKA admissions among T1D patients using continuous glucose monitors. Similarly, insulin pumps, particularly closed-loop systems, have significantly reduced DKA incidents, with most cases now tied to infusion-site failures rather than system errors.
While CGMs and insulin pumps have reduced hospitalization by roughly 50%, the introduction of dual-analyte sensors that measure both glucose and ketones could further address gaps for high-risk groups. However, success hinges on proving their value in preventing recurrent DKA episodes and ensuring their widespread adoption.
For healthcare systems and investors, the goal is clear: advance technologies that reduce costs and prevent life-threatening episodes. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities for meaningful impact.
For more information on related investment opportunities and insights, please reference CGM Deep Dive: Analysis of Ketone Sensor, Type 2 Non-Insulin Market and PCP/Endo Survey Results, by William Blair healthcare analyst Brandon Vazquez.