Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Question 1

Define Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Answer 1

It is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones

Question 2

What is the aetiology of DKA?

Answer 2

Caused by a lack of insulin in the body, whick results in the body breaking down fat for energy
Ketones are released into the body as fat is broken down

Question 3

What things can make DKA more likely?

Answer 3

Having an infection
Non-adherence to treatment
An injury or surgery
Taking steroids
Alcohol
Recreational Drugs
Pregnancy
Having your period

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Answer 4

Nausea and vomiting 
Abdominal Pain
Polyuria, Polydipsia
Drowsiness 
Confusion
Coma 
Kussmaul breathing 
Ketotic breath
Signs of dehydration

Question 5

What investigations would you do for DKA?

Answer 5

FBC (raised WCC without infection in DKA)
U&Es (raised urea and creatining due to dehydration)
LFT
CRP
Glucoe
Amylase
Blood Cultures
ABG (Metabolic acidosis with high anion gap)
Blood/urinary ketones