An Approach to Diabetic Ketoacidosis in an Emergency Setting.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most commonly encountered diabetic complication emergencies. It typically affects people with type 1 diabetes at the onset of the disease. It can also affect people with type 2 diabetes, although this is uncommon. METHODS: Research and online content related to diabetes online activity is reviewed. DKA is caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and elevated levels of counter-regulatory hormones. RESULTS: Goals of therapy are to correct dehydration, acidosis, and to reverse ketosis, gradually restoring blood glucose concentration to near normal. CONCLUSION: It is essential to monitor potential complications of DKA and, if necessary, to treat them and any precipitating events.