Approximately 1/3 of children are in a state of Diabetic Ketoacidosis when initially diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition that can cause comas, brain damage, and death. Children are dying needlessly in the US due to undiagnosed and misdiagnosed type 1 diabetes. Both type 1 diabetes and the subsequent condition of Diabetic Ketoacidosis are on the rise. Although we cannot prevent type 1 diabetes, we can and must prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Education is the greatest weapon we have in the fight against Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Pediatricians need to educate parents about the signs of type 1 diabetes. Please encourage pediatricians to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes!