Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious illness with complications that can have life-threatening consequences in some cases. DKA is defined as an insulin deficiency that occurs when glucose fails to penetrate insulin into muscles such as the liver and adipose tissue. When there is a buildup of ketones, it leads to metabolic acidosis which causes nausea and vomiting, resulting in loss of fluid and electrolytes (Gibbs). There are many complications of diabetic ketoacidosis, among the most common are: cerebral edema, hypoglycemia and acute pancreatitis. Cerebral edema is a rare but fatal complication of diabetic ketoacidosis. Describing in detail the clinical signs of cerebral edema is characterized by "deterioration in the level of consciousness, with lethargy, decreased alertness and headache." The time of onset of cerebral edema is variable, occurring in most cases 4 to 12 hours after the start of treatment. Several case reports have shown the presence of cerebral edema before the start of treatment. A clinical diagnostic method based on bedside assessment of a neurological condition in DKA has been developed” (Pandey). Cerebral edema occurs mainly in children. Studies show that the largest reported cases involve 95% of patients under the age of 20. A third of these cases occur in patients younger than 5 years old. Typically, after starting treatment, within 3 to 12 hours, this occurs in children who appear to return to normal metabolism (Pandey). Insulin was discovered in 1922, before “mortality from DKA was virtually 100%.” With the discovery of insulin, antibiotics, intravenous potassium replacement, and the use of norepinephrine to support blood pressure, rates ranging from 2......... middle of paper . .....n production in people with type 1 diabetes or even reverse the condition” (Forecast). Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is defined as an insulin deficiency that occurs when glucose fails to penetrate insulin into the muscle. Some complications of diabetic ketoacidosis may include: brain edema, hypoglycemia, and acute pancreatitis. “The key to managing DKA is to prevent it from happening” (Thompson). The challenge of changing your diet and incorporating an exercise program into your daily routine is not easy. Learning how to inject insulin is also a difficult task. It is a fight against this terrible disease, however, by maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, taking all prescribed medications and exercising when necessary, we may one day reverse the conditions of this disease. Being disciplined is key.