Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by a biochemical triad of hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and acidemia, with rapid symptom onset.

Common symptoms and signs include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weakness, weight loss, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, hypotension, and, in severe cases, shock.

Successful treatment includes correction of volume depletion, hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, and comorbid precipitating events, with frequent monitoring.

Complications of treatment include hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hypoxemia, and rarely pulmonary edema.

Cerebral edema, a rare but potentially rapidly fatal complication, occurs mainly in children. It may be prevented by avoiding overly rapid fluid and electrolyte replacement.

DKA is an acute metabolic complication of diabetes that is potentially fatal and requires prompt medical attention for successful treatment. It is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency and is the most common acute hyperglycemic complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus.[1]Kitabchi AE, Umpierrez GE, Miles JM, et al. Hyperglycemic crises in adult patients with diabetes: a consensus statement from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2009 Jul;32(7):1335-43. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/7/1335.full http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19564476?tool=bestpractice.com ​

[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Triad of DKAAdapted with permission from: Kitabchi AE, Wall BM. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Med Clin North Am. 1995;79:9-37 [Citation ends].