Diabetic Emergencies Flashcards
when does DKA occur
in absolute/ relative insulin deficiency accompanied by an increase in the counter regulatory hormones (glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol, growth hormone)
what is the biochemical triad of DKA
hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia, acidaemia
does DKA occur in T1 or T2 DM
can occur in both
why does stress hormone activation cause DKA
increased lipolysis
decreased glucose utilisation
increased proteolysis
increased glycogenolysis
how does hyperglycaemia cause decreased renal function
glycosuria
electrolyte loss
dehydration
decreased renal function
what increases lactate in DKA
dehydration
what causes increases ketogenesis in DKA
increases liplysis, increased free fatty acids= ketogenesis
what causes osmotic diuresis
glycosuria
what causes hyperosmolarity in DKA
dehydration (osmotic diuresis)
what are the biochemical diagnostic markers for ketacidosis
ketonaemia > 3mmol/L (or significant ketonuria)
blood glucose > 11.0mmol/L
bicarb<15 mmol/L or venous pH < 7.3
(ketones and acids rise, bicarb falls)
what causes death is DKA
adults: hypokalaemia, aspiration pneumonia, ERDS, co morbidities
children: cerebral oedema
what can precipitate DKA
newly diagnosed
infection
illicit drug and alcohol use
poorly managed diabetes (most common cause)
what are the typical symptoms and signs of DKA
osmotic related- thirst and polyuria, dehydration
ketone body related- flushed, vomiting, abdo pain and tenderness, breathlessness (kussmauls respiration), ketone smell of breath
associated conditions- underlying sepsis, gastroenteritis
what happens to potassium in DKA
is often raised > 5.5 mmol/K
BEWARE OF A LOW READING- treatment for DKA will further lower potassium
what happens to creatinine in DKA
often raised
what happens to sodium in DKA
often low or
what happens to lactate in DKA
common to be raised
why might amylase be raised in DKA
rarely pancreatitis
origin can be salivary
what happens to white cell count in DKA
often raised- not always due to infection
what do you lose in DKA
fluid
sodium
potassium
phosphate