Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Also written as DKA.
Emergency Care: Assists in acute cases such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis, where quick understanding of metabolic pathways is crucial.
What our notes say
- Emergency Care: Assists in acute cases such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis, where quick understanding of metabolic pathways is crucial. (Medical Biochemistry II (MBMB 2200) -2)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis needs fluid resuscitation first (normal saline), then intravenous insulin at a fixed rate, with close attention to potassium, because insulin drives potassium into cells. (Endocrinology and Gastroenterology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic emergencies — Year 4 Internal Medicine (Endocrinology) Notes (Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic emergencies)
- (c) Use the MUDPILES mnemonic: methanol, uraemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, propylene glycol, isoniazid or iron, lactic acidosis, ethylene glycol, salicylates. (Chemical Pathology Semester 1 — Short Answer Questions)
- | Onset | Acute/abrupt, often presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis | Gradual/insidious, often detected incidentally or after years of asymptomatic hyperglycaemia | (General & Systemic Pathology SAQ Paper II — 15 July 2025 (MBPA 3500, MKU Year 3,)
- Onset typically childhood/young adulthood, prone to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — absolute insulin lack → unrestrained lipolysis → free fatty acids → hepatic ketogenesis → ketoacidosis (Ovarian & Colorectal Cancer: Risks, Pathogenesis, Staging)
Study material on Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic emergencies
- Chemical Pathology MCQs: Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine & Renal
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Chemical Pathology Practice Examination
- Endocrine & Renal Pathology
- Renal, Liver, Cardiac & Adrenal Function Tests for Year 3
- Chemical Pathology Practice Examination
- Ovarian & Colorectal Cancer: Risks, Pathogenesis, Staging
- Chemical Pathology: Endocrine Cases, Pituitary & Thyroid Q&A
- Basic Pharmacology - Study Guide
- Endocrine & Renal Pathology
- Clinical Endocrinology Cases: Pituitary Tumour, PCOS, Type 1 Diabetes, and HHS
- Endocrine & Renal Pathology
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Chemical Pathology MCQS
Practice questions on Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Which of the following is a characteristic of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) but NOT diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Ketonemia
- Profound dehydration
- Anion gap >12 Correct
Answer: C. HHS has more severe dehydration due to gradual onset, while DKA has acidosis and ketosis that HHS lacks. ## Lipid Profile & Cardiovascular Risk ---
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is distinguished from hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) by
- Higher glucose in DKA
- Presence of significant ketonaemia and acidosis in DKA
- Absence of dehydration in DKA
- Lower osmolality in HHS
Answer: B. DKA: pH <7.3, bicarbonate <15, ketones positive. HHS: minimal ketosis, glucose often >600 mg/dL. ---
In diabetic ketoacidosis, the predominant ketone body measured by nitroprusside test is ---
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Acetone
- Acetoacetate
- Pyruvate
Answer: C.