Prognosis

An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of DKA, together with close monitoring and correction of electrolytes, has resulted in a significant reduction in the overall mortality rate from this life-threatening condition. Mortality rates have fallen significantly in the last 20 years from 7.96% to 0.67%.[2]

Death is rarely caused by the metabolic complications of hyperglycaemia or ketoacidosis but rather relates to the underlying illness. The prognosis is substantially worsened at the extremes of age and in the presence of coma and hypotension.[1]

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