Diabetic Emergencies Flashcards
DKA
Diabetic Keto Acidosis
What is DKA
A disordered metabolic state due to an insulin deficiency resulting in the switching to ketones to supply ATP for the brain.
Can DKA occur in both type 1 and 2 diabetics?
Yes it occurs in Type I and II
Why is there a decreased renal function in DKA?
Dehydration due to glycosuria (think osmosis)
Why does glycosuria lead to increased urine output and eventually dehydration?
Urine has a high osmolarity due to the presence of glucose, as a result water moves out of the plasma by osmosis.
What should the blood glucose level be in a DKA?
> 11mmol/L
What should the bicarbonate level be in a DKA?
<15mmol/L
What should the ketonaemia level be in DKA?
> 3mmol/L
On a dipstick what should the Ketone level be?
> 2+
What else should be looked for on lab results in a DKA?
Raised lactate
Creatine often raised
What are the causes of death in a DKA?
Hypokalaemia
Aspiration Pneumonia
ARDs
Cerebral oedema
Which cause of death is common only in children?
Cerebral oedema
What are the osmotic symptoms of a DKA?
Thirst
Polyuria
Dehydrated
What are the ketone related symptoms of a DKA?
Flushed
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Breathlessness
What is the characteristic breathing pattern and its name related to DKA?
Kussmauls breathing
Heavy and fast ex and inhalation
