Patient/caregiver were instructed on the complications diabetic ketoacidosis as follows:

Overzealous administration of insulin to individuals in diabetic ketoacidosis, in an attempt to treat or reverse the condition without carefully monitoring the blood sugar levels, can result in dangerous hypoglycemia.

Diabetic ketoacidosis creates a hyperosmolar state, where the excess blood glucose draws fluid out of the cells. Overzealous administration of insulin to individuals in diabetic ketoacidosis, in an attempt to treat or reverse the condition without carefully monitoring the blood sugar levels, can result in rapid shift of fluid and electrolytes along with rapid transport of glucose into the cells. This rapid glucose transport into the cells can result in dangerous hypoglycemic states. Also, the rapid fluid and electrolyte transport can result in cellular swelling and electrolyte imbalances.

Swelling of neural tissues, such as, retina and brain can lead to acute vision disturbances, cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and disruption of normal healthy brain function. This swelling can also result in irritation of the brain and neural tissues and risk triggering mood swings and seizure activity.