Effective Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is serious complication of diabetes mellitus that requires prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment. It is characterized by a triad of uncontrolled hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and increased total body ketone concentration. The overall DKA mortality rate recorded among children and adults is < 1%. For patients with DKA, appropriate administration of intravenous fluids and insulin with attention to associated fluid and electrolyte disorders can effectively and rapidly resolve metabolic dysregulation. Following acute management and restoration of physiological glucose levels, DKA requires identification of the precipitating cause to prevent recurrence of potentially life-threatening diabetic complications.