Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA occurs when there is a lack of insulin. This leads to a high plasma glucose as a result of different mechanisms, including:

The body cannot make use of this glucose and therefore starts producing ketones from fat stores as an alternative source of energy.

Ketones are acidic and this is the main cause of the acidosis associated with DKA.

What are the criteria needed to diagnose DKA?

Blood glucose > ? mmol/l

Incorrect. 11.1

Blood ketones > ? mmol/l

Correct. 3

Blood pH < ? (in children we always use venous or capillary samples - NOT arterial)

Correct. 7.3