Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) represents a severe metabolic complication of diabetes, primarily affecting type 1 patients, characterized by insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. The condition triggers counter-regulatory hormones, leading to lipolysis and the accumulation of ketone bodies, which manifest as nausea, vomiting, and characteristic fruity breath. Effective management prioritizes rapid fluid resuscitation to address dehydration, followed by insulin therapy to normalize blood glucose and electrolyte levels, particularly potassium. While DKA often presents during an initial type 1 diagnosis, it can be exacerbated by infections like pneumonia. In contrast, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) typically occurs in elderly type 2 patients, presenting with significantly higher blood glucose levels but lacking the severe ketosis and acidosis found in DKA. Both conditions require careful monitoring for complications like cerebral edema and cardiac arrhythmias to ensure patient stability.