Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication that occurs in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, to timely identification of the precipitating cause, the primary step in acute management of this disorder includes aggressive administration of intravenous (IV) fluids with appropriate replacement of electrolytes (primarily potassium), this is often always followed by administration of insulin, usually via an IV insulin infusion that’s continued until resolution of ketonemia, but potentially via the subcutaneous (SC) route in mild cases. Common drawbacks in management include premature termination of IV insulin therapy and insufficient timing or dosing of SC insulin before discontinuation of IV insulin. This review encompasses recommendations for acute management of DKA, the complications associated with these disorders, and methods for preventing recurrence. It also talks about why many patients who present with these disorders are at high risk for hospital readmissions, early morbidity, and mortality well beyond the acute presentation.