When suspecting DKA, what important question should you ask the patient?

When evaluating a patient for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), asking about recent dietary habits is crucial. A significant contributing factor to DKA is improper management of diabetes, particularly related to food intake. In some cases, patients may have had a decrease in their carbohydrate intake or may have skipped meals, leading to hyperglycemia and subsequently DKA as the body begins to break down fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketones.

While exercising and respiratory infections like a cold can impact blood sugar levels and diabetes management, they do not directly tie into the immediate risk factors for DKA as closely as dietary habits do. This makes understanding the patient's recent diet essential for assessing their current metabolic state and potential issues with insulin and glucose control, thus guiding appropriate interventions.