Diabetic ketoacidosis awareness among caregivers of type 1 diabetic children attending King Fahd Hospital, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Background and aim: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe acute complication of diabetes mellitus, often precipitated by infections, insulin omission, and acute stress. Effective management of diabetes and awareness of risk factors can prevent this life-threatening condition. This study assesses the awareness of primary caregivers about the precipitating factors, symptoms, and preventive measures against DKA in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional, interview-based study was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Saudi Arabia. It involved 173 caregivers and 183 children over a three-month period. Results: Findings indicate that 78.6% of caregivers understood the definition of DKA, 90.8% recognized its dangerous nature, and 76.9% were aware of its precipitating factors, with insulin omission (40.5%) being the most acknowledged. Commonly recognized symptoms included nausea and vomiting (50.3%), abdominal pain (38.2%), and altered consciousness (37.6%). However, 56.6% of caregivers were unaware of DKA complications. In an emergency, 76.3% would immediately seek hospital care, and 71.7% identified insulin compliance as a key preventive strategy. Conclusions: The study underscores the necessity of diabetes education for caregivers. Enhanced understanding of the disease, its complications, and appropriate emergency responses is essential to prevent DKA. The data suggest a need for comprehensive education programs to improve caregivers’ awareness and management skills. (www.actabiomedica.it).