Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA) –an acute complication

results from severe insulin deficiency

findings
- blood sugar levels > 350 mg/dL
- elevated ketone levels: sweet odor to breath may also have odor of someone drinking alcohol
- metabolic acidosis: Kussmaul's respirations, flushed appearance, dry skin
- thirst
- polyuria
- drowsiness
- anorexia, vomiting
- may lead to shock and coma



usual causes:
- undiagnosed diabetes mellitus
- inadequacy of prescribed therapy for diabetes mellitus
- physical stress such as surgery, illness, or trauma in person with diabetes mellitus
- caused by increased gluconeogenesis from amino acids and glycogenolysis in the liver

management:
- correct fluid depletion - IV fluids
- correct electrolyte depletion - replacement particularly of potassium
- correct metabolic acidosis - insulin IV