References

Diabetic ketoacidosis in adults: identification, diagnosis and management. 2024. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/diabetic-ketoacidosis-in-adults-identification-diagnosis-and-management (accessed 29 January 2025)

Diabetes UK. What is DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)?. 2024. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/complications/diabetic-ketoacidosis#DKA%20signs%20and%20symptoms (accessed 29 January 2025)

Gibb FW, Teoh WL, Graham J, Lockman KA Risk of death following admission to a UK hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetologia. 2016; 59:2082-2087 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-016-4034-0

Higginson R, Burrows P, Jones B Diabetes and associated diabetic emergencies. J Paramed Pract. 2019; 11:(6) https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2019.11.6.CPD1

Jones AF, Jadzinski P, Brickell TL Balanced crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in diabetic ketoacidosis in place of saline. J Paramed Pract. 2024; 16:(11)459-466 https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2024.0016

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Recognising and treating diabetic ketoacidosis

02 February 2025
Volume 7 · Issue 2

Abstract

Diabetes is characterised by hyperglycemia, which results from issues with insulin secretion and/or action (Higginson et al, 2019). Chronic complications of diabetes include an accelerated development of cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, loss of visual acuity, and limb amputations (Higginson et al, 2019). However, acutely, diabetes can also result in emergency complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Type 1 vs type 2 diabates

Diabetes is characterised by hyperglycemia, which results from issues with insulin secretion and/or action (Higginson et al, 2019). Chronic complications of diabetes include an accelerated development of cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, loss of visual acuity, and limb amputations (Higginson et al, 2019). However, acutely, diabetes can also result in emergency complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA was traditionally observed in patients with type 1 diabetes and is still more common in this group. DKA is the leading cause of death among young to middle-aged adults and children living with type 1 diabetes (Gibb et al, 2016). However, it is also seen in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly in those who are taking insulin, or following the release of catabolic hormones during stress such as in cases of trauma, surgery, infection or other acute illness (Beba and Mills, 2024).

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