Screening

Consider DKA in:

  • Patients with known diabetes who are unwell[2][4][17]

    • DKA is most common in people with type 1 diabetes but can also present in those with type 2 diabetes.[1][2]

  • Any patient with increased thirst, polyuria, recent unexplained weight loss or excessive tiredness, AND any of the following:[17][43][48]

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Abdominal pain[4][49]

    • Hyperventilation (Kussmaul’s respiration)[50]

    • Dehydration

    • Reduced consciousness.

Urgently order a venous blood gas, blood ketones, and capillary blood glucose.

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