Screening
If a patient is brought to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as polyuria, polydipsia, and abdominal pain), volume depletion, acetone breath, and changes in mental status (even without a history of diabetes), initial samples should be taken for blood glucose, serum electrolytes, venous blood gases, complete blood count, and blood or urine ketone levels.[1] In the presence of high plasma glucose and/or positive urine ketones, full diagnostic laboratory evaluations for DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state should be performed.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer