Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is defined by the biochemical triad of ketonaemia, hyperglycaemia and acidaemia (1).
DKA may result from:
DKA is thought to be indicative, or even diagnostic, of type 1 diabetes, but increasingly there are cases of ketone-prone type 2 diabetes being recognised (3).
It should be regarded a medical emergency; its rapid recognition and accurate treatment are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality.
It should be noted that there are subtle differences in the management in children and in adults.
Reference:
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