Which symptom is specifically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Fruity breath is a hallmark symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This distinctive odor is due to the presence of acetone, which is one of the ketone bodies produced when the body metabolizes fat for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin. DKA occurs when there is a significant lack of insulin, leading to increased fatty acid breakdown and the production of ketones, resulting in a metabolic acidosis and the characteristic fruity smell on the breath.

Cool, clammy skin is typically associated with hypoglycemia, where the body is in a state of low blood sugar. Rapid heart rate can occur in various conditions, including dehydration, anxiety, and other acute illnesses, but it is not specific to DKA. Chills and fever are more indicative of infections or inflammatory processes rather than DKA itself. Thus, the presence of fruity breath is particularly significant and helps differentiate DKA from other conditions.