Presentation Schedule
Suboptimal Awareness of DKA & DKA-Related Behavioural Gaps Supporting Routine Non-Invasive Ketone Monitoring in Elderly Care (105547)
Session: On Demand
Room: Virtual Video Presentation
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a preventable life-threatening complication that can damage multiple organs, yet timely recognition of DKA and ketone testing are often limited in elderly community care settings.
Methods: In a diabetes program for people aged ≥60 years in Hong Kong, 52 elderly participants completed a survey examining (1)knowledge of DKA, (2)DKA-related symptoms experienced in the prior month, (3)responses to these symptoms, and (4)preferred tools for daily diabetes management.
Results: This study reveals that 67.3% of respondents had no prior knowledge of DKA. This lack of awareness is clinically relevant as over half (55.8%) of respondents reported experiencing DKA-related symptoms, most frequently fatigue/weakness (32.7%), extreme thirst (26.9%), diarrhoea (19.2%), loss of appetite (17.3%), and nausea (7.7%). However, among those who experienced symptoms, 65.5% neither sought professional support nor communicated with family. Regarding the tools for daily diabetes management, the study indicated a strong preference toward non-invasive technology among the "young-old"; 70% of participants aged under 65 preferred the painless breath ketone testing over traditional methods.
Conclusions: The findings reveal a critical behavioural gap in elderly diabetes care. Limited understanding of DKA probably leads to a dangerous lack of action, with elderly failing to escalate the concern or seek help despite the presence of frequent physiological warning signs. Routine ketone monitoring, particularly non-invasive breath testing, can promote awareness and unmask non-specific DKA symptoms into objective risk stratification, facilitating prompt medical management. These data support integrating non-invasive ketone monitoring into diabetes education and sick-day management protocols in elderly community centres.
Authors:
Christine Yip, AusMed Global Limited, Hong Kong
Addy Chau, AusMed Global Limited, Hong Kong
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Addy Chau is a researcher at AusMed Global Limited, Hong Kong
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