The document discusses diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication that occurs most often in patients with type 1 diabetes. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. It results from a lack of insulin and excess counterregulatory hormones that cause fat and protein breakdown. This leads to ketone accumulation and high blood glucose levels. Treatment involves insulin, intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and monitoring for complications like cerebral edema.