Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes, specifically affecting individuals with type 1 diabetes, though it can also occur in type 2 diabetes when insulin levels are insufficient. It arises when the body doesn't produce enough insulin, leading it to break down fat for energy, resulting in a buildup of ketones (acids) in the blood. This can cause a dangerous shift in the body's chemical balance, leading to severe dehydration and potentially diabetic coma or even death if left untreated.