Mix

Question 1

What is the biochemical definition of DKA?

Answer 1

• Serum concentration of ketones > 5 mEq/L.
• Blood sugar level > 250 mg/dL.
• pH less than 7.3.
• Serum bicarbonate level =/< 18 mEq/L (< 5 mEq/L is indicative of severe DKA)/
• Ketonemia and ketonuria are characteristic.

All of this is associated with:

• Increased anion gap.
• Increased serum osmolarity.
• Increased serum uric acid.