DKA

Question 1

Patho?

Answer 1

Fat breaks down into fatty acids
Free fatty acids leads to formation of ketone bodies by the liver
Insulin normally stops the formation of excessive ketone bodies
Ketone bodies are acids and their accumulation leads to metabolic acidosis

Question 2

Caused by?

Answer 2

Missed/decreased doses of insulin
Illness/infection
Undiagnosed diabetes

Question 3

Clinical manifestations?

Answer 3

Dehydration (from hyperglycaemia) 
Nausea and vomiting
Ketone breath (sweet, fruity smell) 
Coma
Lethargy 

If left untreated, CNS depression and can cause death

Question 4

Management ?

Answer 4

Lower BGL
Correct fluid loss
Correct electrolyte imbalance
Treat cause
Cardiac monitoring
Oral or IV fluid replacement