At diagnosis as Type 1 age 51 I was weak, very dehydrated, had lost a lot of weight, extreme thirst, constant urination and poor immune system. HbAc1 was 13.7. But not in DKA. First episode was 2 years after diagnosis. Only symptom was dull ache over my kidneys that gradually over 2-3 hours became extreme, so took myself to A&E thinking I had a kidney stone or infection. Turned out to be DKA & spent 24 hrs on saline and insulin drip. But fine after discharge and back to normal routine the next day.
Second incident last month when I was caught out by a chest infection and didn't adjust basal insulin fast enough...vomiting, dehydration, deep breathing...delayed too long calling ambulance...paramedics didn't know what DKA stood for, but got me on drip and EKG asap. Twenty hours on resuscitation ward, numerous lines, blood glucose and ketones kept oscillating wildly so apparently hard to stabilise. But feeling OK after 24 hours - only problem was getting appetite back after prolonged vomiting and I still had severe sore throat (throat / chest infection took 3 weeks to clear). BIGGEST MISTAKE - I should have gone to A&E at least 12 hours sooner. If insulin dependent, always let paramedics and/or A&E staff know they must check for DKA - otherwise it can take too long to diagnosis what is going on and DKA can be life threatening.
