DKA

Question 1

DKA

Answer 1

More common in Type 1
- Body breaks down fat at an accelarated rate.
- Ketones are produced as a byproduct.
- Ketones = acidic = blood becomes acidic.

Question 2

Symptoms

Answer 2

• Severe hyperglycaemia
• High blood ketones
• Ketonuria
• Pear drop breath
• Dehydration/excessive thirst
• Polyuria
• N + V
• Anorexia
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Mental confusion
• Drowsiness
• Diabetic coma
• Convulsions

Question 3

Management - IV infusion

Answer 3

1. IV Fluids
2. IV Insulin (soluble). Those on long-acting insulin should continue at their usual doses.
3. Potassium (do not give if anuria)
4. Glucose replacement (add to infusion when <14 mmol/L)
   5.

Question 4

Long-term management

Answer 4

• Continue until patient able to eat/drink and blood pH >7.3
• Give SC fast-acting insulin and meal. Stop infusion one hour later