Case of the Month #37 Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Published 16/03/2023

Take Home Messages:

  • DKA is a complex metabolic state presenting with a triad of hyperglycaemia, acidosis and ketonemia 

  • Fixed-rate intravenous insulin infusion (FRIII) is recommended in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (0.1 units/kg/hour) 

  • If the blood glucose is <14 mmol/L, then 10% glucose should be given alongside normal saline; insulin infusion should be continued to switch of the ketogenesis 

  • If the patient takes long-acting insulin, this should be continued at the usual dose and time 

  • Potassium imbalance is more common during the treatment of DKA, so it should be closely monitored and replaced as required