Improving care for people admitted with diabetes-related emergencies
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous complication that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin, causing harmful acids to build up in the blood. It is one of the most common reasons people with diabetes need emergency hospital treatment in the UK. However, the quality of care people receive can differ widely between hospitals. The DEKODE study aims to understand why these differences exist and how to improve care. Researchers are studying anonymous NHS records and listening directly to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals through questionnaires and optional video interviews. This study does not test any new medicines or treatments. Instead, it looks at real-life experiences and treatment costs to improve a digital NHS hospital tool called DEKODE. The ultimate goal is to make emergency DKA care safer, faster, and more supportive for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (often called DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency that affects people with diabetes. It happens when the body lacks enough insulin to turn sugar into energy, causing harmful acids called ketones to build up in the blood. Over 32,000 people are admitted to UK hospitals with DKA every year. Despite how common it is, the care patients receive can vary greatly from one hospital to another, or even within the same hospital.
To help doctors and nurses provide the best care possible, researchers developed a digital tool called DEKODE. This tool helps hospital teams track how DKA is managed and spot areas where care can be improved. However, doctors still need to understand why care differs so much across the country and, most importantly, what the care experience feels like for patients and their families.
The DEKODE study investigates NHS hospital records and gathers feedback from patients, carers, and medical staff. By learning about what works well and where people struggle, the research team aims to improve how hospitals manage DKA, reduce the chances of people needing repeated emergency visits, and help the NHS provide better, safer care.
Key takeaways
- A UK study looking at how to improve NHS hospital care for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Open to patients aged 16–99 treated for DKA at University Hospitals Birmingham, as well as their carers and healthcare staff.
- No new medicines or hospital visits are involved; participation is through surveys and optional video interviews.
- Aims to understand why emergency care varies across hospitals and improve digital hospital tools.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and will not affect your standard NHS medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to people aged 16 to 99 who have recently been treated for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at University Hospitals Birmingham. Family members and carers of these patients are also welcome to join if the patient agrees. Hospital doctors and nurses who treat DKA across the UK can also take part.
In addition, the researchers will look at anonymised NHS hospital records from 2001 onwards to study broader care patterns across the country. Patients whose past records are used do not need to do anything to take part.
You cannot take part in the surveys or interviews if your ketoacidosis was not related to diabetes, or if you are unable to give your own informed consent to join the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 16 and 99 years of age?
- Have you recently been admitted to University Hospitals Birmingham for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- Alternatively, are you a family member or carer of someone treated for DKA?
- Alternatively, are you a healthcare worker involved in treating DKA at an NHS hospital?
- Are you able and willing to share your feedback via a survey or short interview?
What does participation involve?
Taking part does not involve any changes to your normal diabetes medication, routine care, or doctor visits. If you agree to take part, you will be invited to complete a questionnaire about your care and your time in hospital. You may also be invited to join an optional video or phone interview to talk through your experiences in more detail.
You can complete the questionnaire and interview from the comfort of your own home. The wider study runs from June 2025 to August 2028, but your personal involvement will usually only take between 30 and 60 minutes of your time. There are no ongoing check-ups or extra hospital appointments needed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- University of BirminghamApproximateBirmingham, England
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyBirmingham, England
Common questions
Will taking part change my diabetes treatment or prescriptions?
No. This study does not involve any new medicines or changes to your current diabetes care plan.
Do I need to visit the hospital to take part?
No. All surveys and optional interviews can be completed online, by phone, or from home at a time that suits you.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
No. You are completely free to skip any questions you do not wish to answer or stop taking part whenever you choose.
How is my personal information protected?
All information collected is kept strictly confidential, anonymised, and stored securely according to NHS and data protection standards.
What is the DEKODE digital tool?
DEKODE is a digital system created by NHS doctors to help hospital staff monitor and improve how quickly and safely they treat DKA.
How to find out more
Kalyaani Persad
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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