| Definition Ketoacidosis: A condition resulting from deficient insulin availability, leading to lipid oxidation and metabolism rather than glucose metabolism. The insulin absence results in free fatty acid (FFA) released from adipose tissue and in unregulated hepatic FFA oxidation and ketogenesis. Type I Diabetes: Autoimmune disease where there is attack of beta cells of the pancreas leading to insulin deficiency and a requirement for exogenous insulin to prevent ketoacidosis. Type II Diabetes: It usually consists of tissue-level insulin resistance (although exogenous insulin is often required) and rarely leads to ketoacidosis. Kussmaul breathing: Deep, rapid respirations associated with acidosis. |
Overview Diabetic Ketoacidosis may be the presenting feature in a patient not previously recognised as having diabetes. In a patient with known diabetes, it may be precipitated by omitting insulin doses, or by the insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis has a mortality rate of 8- to 50% in the elderly.
Clinical Presentation
| Side Note Kussmaul breathing is air hunger, rapid deep breathing a sign of metabolic acidosis. This is different to Kusmaul’s sign looks at JVP relationship with breathing. |
Aetiology (5I's) + Initial Diagnosis
| Remember Precipitating factors of DKA 5 I's: Infection Ischemia Infarction Intoxication Insulin missed |
Investigations
| Think Check ABG, EUC and glucose every 4hours. Monitor ECG for hypokalaemia/hyperkalaemia. Monitor IV fluid, insulin, glucose and K+ should all be run in separate lines. |
Differential Diagnosis - high blood glucose and coma
Diagnosis of DKA
| Side Effects Different types ketones produced include B-Hydroxymutyrate, acetatoacetate and acetone |
Management The main aim in treating DKA is to progressively improve blood pH and clear the body of excessive ketones by aggressive fluid replacement and insulin therapy.
| Remember Hypokalaemia ECG changes include flat/inverted T-wave, ST Depression and widened QRS |
| Glasgow Coma Scale | ||
| Behaviours | Response | Score |
| Eye response (score 1-4) | Spontaneously To Speech To Pain No response |
4 3 2 1 |
| Verbal response (score 1-5) | Orientated good Confused Inappropriate words Incomprehensible sounds No response |
5 4 3 2 1 |
| Motor response (score 1-6) | Obeys command Moves to localised pain Withdrawal from pain Decorticate Decerebrate No response |
6 5 4 3 2 1 |
| Score | Best response Coma Unresponsive (Lowest possible) |
15 <8 3 |
Complications of DKA
| Definition Hyperosmolar Hyperglyaecmic State is a complication of type 2 diabetes. It involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) levels without the presence of ketones. Type I Diabetes: Is caused by a severe endogenous insulin deficiency and a requirement for exogenous insulin to prevent ketoacidosis. Type II Diabetes: It usually consists of tissue-level insulin resistance (although exogenous insulin is often required) and can lead to HHS, rarely leads to ketoacidosis. |
Overview Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemia (HOH) state occurring primarily in type 2 diabetes and is characterised by marked hyperglycaemia and dehydration without ketoacidosis. The disturbance in consciousness in patients varies from drowsy to comatose. HOH is a more sinister complication than ketoacidosis with a mortality rate as high as 50%.
Diagnosis - biochemical
Serum osmolality (in mosmol/kg) can be calculated if not available from the laboratory using the following equation:
Pathophysiology This condition results from a combination of insulin deficiency and coun- terregulatory hormone excess. The insulin present stops ketone produc- tion but in insufficient quantities to prevent worsening hyperglycemia.
Management Same as DKA, but with a few exception because patients are usually older.
Complication
Coming soon...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state are two acute serious metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycaemia is another common problem encountered in diabetics.
