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 Furthermore it is essential to monitor potential complications of DKA and if necessary, to treat them and any precipitating events.