What is the threshold for DKA?

The US guidelines suggest using a glucose threshold of >250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L), presence of positive serum and urine ketones with an anion gap, and arterial pH <7.3 to make the diagnosis of DKA.

What qualifies as DKA?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes and, much less commonly, of type 2 diabetes. DKA happens when your blood sugar is very high and acidic substances called ketones build up to dangerous levels in your body. Ketoacidosis shouldn’t be confused with ketosis, which is harmless.

What is criteria for DKA?

The diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis are: ketonaemia 3 mmol /l and over or significant ketonuria (more than 2 + on standard urine sticks) blood glucose over 11 mmol /l or known diabetes mellitus. venous bicarbonate (HCO3 ) ) below 15 mmol /l and /or venous pH less than 7.3 (1)

How is DKA gap calculated?

In clinical practice, the anion gap is calculated using three lab values (Na+, Cl-, and HCO3-). [Occasionally, you may see an alternative equation: Anion Gap = [Na+] + [K+] – [Cl-] – [HCO3-].

What is the anion gap for DKA?

In mild DKA, anion gap is greater than 10 and in moderate or severe DKA the anion gap is greater than 12. These figures differentiate DKA from HHS where blood glucose is greater than 600 mg/dL but pH is greater than 7.3 and serum bicarbonate greater than 15 mEq/L.

What are the 4 most common leading complications of diabetes?

Here are the four most common complications associated with diabetes:

1. Heart disease. A diabetic has twice a non-diabetic’s likelihood of dying of heart disease, including stroke.
2. Foot problems. Diabetes reduces circulation.
3. Kidney disease. Diabetes is the foremost cause of kidney disease.
4. Eye problems.

What causes ketoacidosis in diabetes?

Common causes of diabetic ketoacidosis are dehydration, increasing blood sugar levels, infections, diarrhea, vomiting and missed doses of insulin or inadequate insulin levels.

How does ketoacidosis cause death?

In diabetic ketoacidosis, ketones build up in the blood, seriously altering the normal chemistry of the blood and interfering with the function of multiple organs. They make the blood acidic, which causes vomiting and abdominal pain. If the acid level of the blood becomes extreme, ketoacidosis can cause falling blood pressure, coma and death.

What are the ADA guidelines for diabetes?

The ADA’s guidelines state that most adults with diabetes and hypertension should have a target blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg and that risk-based individualization lowers targets, such as 130/80 mmHg, may be appropriate in some patients.

What is a diabetic crisis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin.