Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors
Runa Acharya, MD, University of Iowa-Des Moines Internal Medicine Residency Program at UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, IA
Udaya M. Kabadi, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FACE, Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, IA; Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine, Iowa City; and University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City; Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, and Des Moines University, Des Moines
Peer Reviewer
Jay Shubrook, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP, Professor, Primary Care Department, Touro University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA
Statement of Financial Disclosure
To reveal any potential bias in this publication, and in accordance with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education guidelines, Dr. Kabadi (author) reports he is a consultant and on the speakers bureau for Sanofi. Dr. Shubrook (peer reviewer) reports he receives grant/research support from Sanofi and is a consultant for Eil Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Astra Zeneca. Dr. Acharya (author) reports no financial relationships relevant to this field of study.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute metabolic disorder characterized by markedly increased circulating ketone bodies leading to ketoacidosis in the presence of prolonged hyperglycemia due to an absence of insulin. DKA may present in subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with an absolute or relative insulin deficiency or in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to relative insulin deficiency. DKA commonly occurs at the onset of T1DM but also may occur from withdrawal or omission of insulin therapy due to psychiatric, social, or economic reasons or due to increased insulin requirements during an acute illness.1
The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps (CSII) using rapid-acting insulin also has been associated with a significant increase in incidence of DKA when compared to conventional therapy with multiple daily subcutaneous insulin injections.2-15 Occurrence of DKA in patients using pumps is attributed to the exclusive presence of rapid-acting insulin in the pump, which, if interrupted, leaves no reservoir of basal insulin for blood glucose control, as well as to patients’ reluctance in adjusting the basal rates and bolus dosages via pump in the presence of an acute illness. Moreover, pump failure may also occur due to occlusion of insulin pump infusion sets or inappropriate handling of the pump and lack of selection of an appropriate site (extensive scarring, lipoatrophy, or lipohypertrophy at the site).5-15 DKA due to relative insulin deficiency occurs in T2DM, frequently at onset of an acute disorder such as infection, trauma, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and steroid therapy, as well as due to lack of appropriate dose adjustment in pregnancy and other conditions.1 Finally, FDA issued an advisory regarding occurrence of DKA in subjects with T2DM following initiation of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, as indicated previously in a commentary on these new agents.16
Epidemiology
Hospitalizations for DKA are frequent in the United States and worldwide. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzing data regarding hospital admissions between 1988 and 2009 in the United States describes a marked increase in the number of hospital discharges with DKA as the first listed diagnosis from 80,000 in 1988 to 140,000 in 2009.17
The age-adjusted hospital discharge rate for DKA per 10,000 overall population increased by 43.8% during this time period as well. The rise in the hospital discharge rate may be attributed to improved testing for diagnosis, availability of better management tools and protocols promoting improved survival, and an increase in the prevalence of diabetes over the period of analysis.17 However, despite the rise per overall population, both the crude and age-adjusted hospital discharge rates for DKA per 1000 subjects with diabetes declined by 43.7% and 38.4%, respectively. Moreover, the age-adjusted hospital discharge rates for diagnosis of DKA per 1000 subjects with diabetes declined among both men and women, as well as among whites and blacks, with a greater decrease among blacks than in whites (60.5% vs 45.0%).17 However, the overall age-adjusted rate for hospitalization for DKA was still significantly lower in white subjects with diabetes: 14.3 per 1000 white subjects as compared to 22.7 per 1000 black subjects with diabetes.17 Finally, the rates of occurrence of DKA per 1000 subjects with diagnosis of diabetes were much higher among younger patients (< 45 years) in comparison to older patients (≥ 45 years).17 In 2009, the rate for occurrence of DKA per 1000 subjects with diabetes was 32.4 among younger subjects (< 45 years), 3.3 in subjects aged 45-64 years, and 1.4 among elderly (≥ 65 years).17 Fortunately, the report also documents a significant decrease in the average length of hospital stay of 2.3 days from 5.7 days to 3.4 days, thus indicating distinct progress in management strategies resulting in a probable reduction in overall costs.1 Although clinicians often associate DKA with T1DM patients, DKA also occurs in T2DM patients, though not as frequently as in subjects with T1DM. In one study, Westphal reviewed 226 charts of patients diagnosed with DKA.18 Forty-seven percent of these patients had previously documented T1DM and 27% were previously well-documented to manifest T2DM. The remaining 26% of patients were diagnosed as having new-onset diabetes mellitus. During a 12-month follow-up, 24% of patients with new-onset DM did not require insulin for management of their diabetes.18 Thus, the overall calculated rate of T2DM in this study was 32% for all DKA hospitalized subjects. In another study, Newton and Bastin reviewed charts of 138 patients admitted with the diagnoses of moderate-to-severe DKA.19 Fifty-three percent of these patients were previously diagnosed with T1DM and 22% with T2DM. The remaining 25% were diagnosed with diabetes for the first time and approximately for 15 months.19 Overall, 30-35% of people hospitalized with DKA are estimated to have T2DM. In addition, several other studies have documented occurrence of DKA.20-23
DKA is a serious and potentially life-threatening metabolic complication of diabetes mellitus. Mortality due to complications of DKA is rare in both children and adults. In 2009, the rate of mortality in patients presenting with hyperglycemia crisis (both DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome) was reported to be 0.02% in patients with diabetes who were ≤ 45 years of age and 0.014% among older adults with diabetes.24 Among children, cerebral edema was reported in 0.3-1% of DKA episodes and accounted for 57-87% of all DKA deaths.25-27 Previously, elderly patients at extreme ages were at the greatest risk for complications from DKA and, thus, increased mortality.28-30 Even among patients older than 60 years of age who were hospitalized for acute hyperglycemic crises (including DKA), mortality rates were noted to rise with each higher decade.31-34
However, the mortality rate in the elderly has declined significantly recently due to the advent of newer insulin formulations; well-established management protocols with appropriate insulin administration (IV or IM); close monitoring of fluid status and metabolic parameters, including glycemia, serum electrolytes, and arterial blood gas; and markedly improved tools available for management of accompanying acute disorders.31
Pathogenesis
Insulin plays a major role in fuel homeostasis via its effects in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Insulin promotes fuel storage in the liver by stimulation of glycogen synthesis and conversion of free fatty acids into triglyceride.34,35 It also decreases fuel expenditure by inhibiting gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and lipolysis, including triglyceride breakdown, resulting in a decline of circulating free fatty acids required as a substrate for ketogenesis (see Figure 1).34-36 Glucagon is a counter-regulatory hormone with properties to oppose the effects of insulin on all fuel stores.36 Insulin, free fatty acids, and ketones inhibit glucagon secretion, whereas amino acids, catecholamines, and cortisol stimulate its secretion. Glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose production by promoting both glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis. Additionally, other counter-regulatory hormones, such as catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormones, complement the effects of glucagon on carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism (see Figure 2).34-36 Lack of insulin and increase in glucagon and other counter-regulatory hormones stimulate lipolysis and release free fatty acids, which are then converted to ketone bodies in the liver (see Figure 3).34-36
| Figure 1. Pathogenesis of DKA |
 |
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Figure 2. Counter-regulatory Hormones |
 |
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While insulin is deficient, counterregulatory hormones rise and cause effects that are opposite to insulin. The most counter-regulatory hormone is glucagon. The other hormones, like epinephrine, cortisol, and GH, work synergestically with glucagon. |
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Figure 3. Ketone Production |
 |
Acetoacetate and B-hydroxybutyrate are the two major ketone bodies produced by the liver during insulin deficiency and a rise in counter-regulatory hormones. Accumulation of these ketone bodies in the circulation accounts for the induction of anion gap metabolic acidosis (see Figure 3). Metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.2) promptly stimulates the cerebral respiratory center, which in turn induces deep rapid respirations known as “Kussmaul” breathing, promoting respiratory alkalosis in an attempt to restore pH toward normal.34-39
Glucose is the most effective fuel for the normal functioning of all tissues. However, all organs and tissues require insulin for glucose entry, with the exception of the central nervous system, renal medulla, and red blood cells. Tissues are unable to utilize glucose during absolute or relative lack of insulin in T1DM and T2DM, especially in the presence of an acute disorder, and are forced to use ketones as an alternative source of energy.34-36 Increased serum glucose concentration causes elevation in serum osmolality, leading to a shift of fluid from intracellular to extracellular compartment. Increase in osmolality stimulates the cerebral thirst center to increase fluid intake to help maintain both extra- and intravascular volumes. However, volume depletion and dehydration are promptly exacerbated due to lack of fluid intake because of ketoacidosis-induced nausea and vomiting and lack of ability to communicate or ambulate in patients at extreme ages. Furthermore, fluid loss results in decreased renal blood flow, leading to diminished excretion of glucose, promoting greater rise in plasma glucose and, thus, osmolality.37-39
Patients with DKA may simultaneously manifest other acid-base disorders. The concurrent presence of other acid base disorders is established by comparing the difference (Δ AG) between the patient’s anion gap and the normal anion gap to the difference (Δ HCO3-) between normal serum bicarbonate and patient’s serum bicarbonate. In presence of a pure or lone DKA, Δ AG is approximately equal to Δ HCO3-. If ΔAG is lower than Δ HCO3-, there is a greater fall in serum bicarbonate than one would expect in relation to the increase in the anion gap. This can be explained by the presence of an increase in another measured anion, leading to hyperchloremic acidosis in the presence of an anion gap metabolic acidosis of DKA. Decreased renal perfusion secondary to dehydration may lead to renal injury with induction of such hyperchloremic tubular acidosis. Thus, hyperchloremic tubular acidosis is one of the common causes of normal anion gap acidosis in the presence of DKA, because an additional fall in serum bicarbonate is due to further buffering of an acid that does not contribute to the anion gap. On the other hand, Δ AG > Δ HCO3- indicates a lesser fall in serum bicarbonate than one would expect in the presence of the rise in anion gap. This is explained by concurrent presence of metabolic alkalosis frequently induced by dehydration as well as by another process that increases the serum bicarbonate, e.g., primary hypercortisolism or hyperaldosteronism or, more often, due to compensatory metabolic alkalosis in the presence of chronic respiratory acidosis in a subject with a primary lung disorder. Finally, in a few instances, anion gap acidosis may occur secondary to accumulation of multiple measured and/or unmeasured anions, e.g., lactic acidosis due to inadequate tissue perfusion due to severe dehydration or concurrent acute disorder such as septic shock or acute myocardial infarction (see Table 1).
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Table 1. Anion Gap Acidosis and the Delta Gap |
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Anion gap (AG) = Na = (Cl- + HCO3-) |
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Δ AG = Δ HCO3- |
Pure anion gap acidosis |
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Δ AG < Δ HCO3- |
Anion gap acidosis + normal gap metabolic acidosis (e.g., RTA) |
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Δ AG > Δ HCO3- |
Anion gap acidosis + metabolic alkalosis (e.g., primary aldosteronism, hypercortisolism, contraction alkalosis, and diuretic use) |
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Δ AG >> ? HCO3- |
Anion gap acidosis + metabolic alkalosis + primary respiratory alkalosis |
Clinical Presentation
The metabolic abnormalities induced by DKA develop rapidly, often within 24 hours because of absolute insulin deficiency in patients frequently at the time of initial diagnosis, although onset of T1DM in the Diabetes Prevention Program in Type 1 DM (DPP1) study and several other similar studies was noted to be gradual.40-46 However, in clinical practice, DKA is often the initial manifestation, with an abrupt onset in children with T1DM; this may be attributed to lack of recognition of symptoms by children or their parents.
In adolescents and adults, DKA as an initial manifestation of T1DM, including latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), is rare.47-52 In these subjects, hyperglycemia alone without ketosis is the frequent initial presentation and may be attributed to the patients’ ability to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as polyuria, polydipsia, nocturia, and weight loss, leading them to seek prompt medical attention. Subjects with LADA are often diagnosed initially as T2DM and are successfully managed with lifestyle intervention and oral agents for a short period. However, soon after the initial diagnosis, hyperglycemia usually recurs within 6-12 months and is not responsive, despite the use of a combination of oral agents, and is ameliorated only by administration of insulin.
In contrast, the onset of DKA in patients with T2DM is often preceded by symptoms and signs of poor glycemic control (e.g., polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, weight loss) for several days or even months, unless precipitated by an acute disorder. The onset of ketonemia and acidosis is characterized by rapid occurrence of symptoms, e.g., anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and respiratory distress, which frequently present 24 to 48 hours prior to hospitalization. Many patients misconstrue onset of gastroenterological symptoms as an accompanying gastrointestinal disorder responsible for precipitating DKA. Physical examination of patients with DKA shows presence of ketotic breath, hyperventilation, tachycardia, orthostasis, abdominal pain, and occasionally hypothermia and/or impaired consciousness or even coma.33 Change in mental status correlates more significantly with older age and increasing serum osmolality rather than the severity of acidosis. In the elderly, serum osmolality ≥ 340 mOsm/L is known to induce a markedly altered mental status including confusion, convulsion, and coma.53 Finally, hyperchloremic acidosis may ensue and persist during the recovery period more often and in a more profound pattern in subjects with T2DM manifesting DKA than subjects with T1DM (see Table 2).
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Table 2. DKA in T1DM and T2DM |
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Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus |
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus |
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65-70% of total DKA cases |
30-35% of total DKA cases |
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pH ≤ 7.2 |
pH > 7.2 |
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BMI ≤ 27 kg/m2 |
BMI > 27 kg/m2 |
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Shorter time to achieve ketone free urine (29 h) |
Longer time to achieve ketone free urine (36 h) |
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Infection (21.6%) as a cause of precipitant |
Infection (48.4%) as a cause of precipitant |
It is important to recognize that hyperglycemia by itself, even at a very high serum concentration (>500 mg/dL), does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of DKA. High anion gap metabolic acidosis caused by elevated serum ketones, measured as beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, or acetone, must be present in addition to hyperglycemia (≥ 250 mg/dL) to establish the diagnosis of DKA. DKA is frequently classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the degree of acidosis and clinical manifestations (see Table 3).35 Serum beta-hydroxybutyrate is present 3-5 times in excess when compared to other ketones and is the test of choice for a prompt diagnosis of DKA. Similarly, the presence of ketonemia and even ketoacidosis in the absence of hyperglycemia (≥ 250 mg/dL) does not fulfill the well-established criteria for the diagnosis of DKA. A patient partially treated with insulin prior to presentation to the provider may present with milder hyperglycemia but severe ketoacidosis. In untreated patients, other well-established disorders with ketonemia and ketoacidosis may be present as described in the literature.54-57
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Table 3. Classification of Severity of DKA |
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Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
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Arterial pH |
7.25-7.30 |
7.00-7.25 |
< 7.00 |
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Serum bicarbonate (meq/L) |
15-18 |
10-15 |
< 10 |
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Anion gap |
10-12 |
12-14 |
> 15 |
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Mental status |
Alert |
Alert/drowsy |
Stupor/coma |
In patients manifesting metabolic acidosis and DKA, other disorders may be present concurrently with DKA and therefore require prompt diagnosis and management (see Table 4).54-57 Furthermore, other disorders mimicking DKA may be present in patients with ketonemia and/or ketoacidosis. The differential diagnoses include:
- DKA with laboratory findings consisting of hyperglycemia (serum glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL) and ketoacidosis (anion gap acidosis) with arterial pH ≤ 7.30 and PCO2 ≤ 30 mmHg; and/or serum bicarbonate ≤ 18 mEq/L).
- Alcoholic ketoacidosis manifesting with anion gap acidosis with serum glucose usually ≤ 200 mg/dL, occasionally even in the hypoglycemic range often occurring after an alcohol binge followed by starvation. As in DKA, the major circulating ketone body in alcoholic ketoacidosis is also beta-hydroxybutyrate, and the serum concentration is disproportionately greater when compared with other ketones.54,55
- Pancreatic ketoacidosis as a complication of severe acute pancreatitis established by anion gap acidosis with serum glucose ≤ 200 mg/dL with occasional hypoglycemia. Significant positive correlations were documented between serum lipase levels on one aspect and anion gap values as well as serum pH levels on the other (see Table 5).56,57 Moreover, the decline in ketone bodies in the circulation and rise in pH followed declining serum lipase levels during recovery.
- Starvation ketosis is characterized by the presence of ketosis rather than ketoacidosis secondary to prolonged starvation with normal serum glucose concentration.35,36
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Table 4. Differential Diagnosis of High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis |
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High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis |
Normal Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis |
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Common |
Low Potassium |
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Uncommon |
Normal/High Potassium |
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Other |
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Table 5. Serum Lipase, Anion Gap, and Arterial pH Values |
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Serum lipase concentrations as well as anion gap [Sodium –(chloride + bicarbonate)] and arterial pH values in 18 subjects with acute pancreatitis divided into three groups: K0 with neither ketonuria nor ketonemia, K1 with ketonuria alone without ketonemia, and K2 with both ketonuria and ketonemia. |
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No. of |
Serum lipase U/L |
Anion Gap nm/L |
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K0 |
5 |
304 ± 22 |
11.6 ± 1.3 |
7.42 ± 0.03 |
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K1 |
6 |
438 ± 64* |
17.7 ± 1.4* |
7.33 ± 0.03* |
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K2 |
7 |
779 ± 110‡≠ |
27.6 ± 2‡≠ |
7.27 ± 0.02‡≠ |
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(23-190)$ |
(12-15)$ |
(7.35-7.45)$ |
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* P < 0.01 vs K0 ‡ P < 0.001 vs K0 ≠ P < 0.01 vs K1 $ Normal range in parenthesis |
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Management of DKA
Management of DKA involves multiple interventions, including fluid resuscitation, IV insulin administration, and repletion of electrolytes, and simultaneous prompt treatment of the underlying disorder precipitating DKA.
Fluid Resuscitation. Fluid loss in patients with DKA averages approximately 6-9 L in adults (see Table 6). The goal is to replace the total fluid loss within 24-36 hours. Fifty percent of the fluid is administered during the first 8-12 hours.58 One accepted approach is to rapidly infuse 1-3 L of normal saline (0.9%) over 1-3 hours, followed by reduced infusion rate of 250 mL/hr. Once the blood sugar level < 250 mg/dL is attained, IV fluid is changed to 5% dextrose/0.45% saline.58-63
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Table 6. Fluid and Major Electrolyte Losses in DKA |
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Sodium |
6 mEq/kg (5-13) |
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Potassium |
5 mEq/kg (4-6) |
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Water |
100 mL/kg (60-110) |
Fluid with electrolytes may be required to be administered orally or via nasogastric tube in patients in whom obtaining an IV site proves difficult due to volume depletion. In rural sites, especially in developing countries, these routes of administration may also be preferred in the absence of availability of equipment for IV infusion. Although composition of lactated ringers is closer to that of plasma when compared to normal saline, a randomized clinical trial comparing normal saline and lactated ringers in the treatment of DKA failed to demonstrate a benefit of lactated ringers over normal saline.61-63 In addition, the time to recovery of glucose to desirable glucose level was longer with lactated ringer’s solution when compared to normal saline.61-63
Insulin Administration. Insulin lowers serum glucose by promoting glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and by inhibiting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. In addition to correction of serum glucose, insulin also inhibits lipolysis, including triglyceride breakdown, thus eliminating substrates such as free fatty acids for ketogenesis and, therefore, ameliorates ketoacidosis.64,65
Insulin is essential in treatment of DKA but it must be administered simultaneously with fluids and electrolytes. In the absence of fluid and electrolyte replacement, insulin may lead to a shift of fluid from extracellular space back into the cells, leading to intravascular dehydration in the presence of excess body water, resulting in persistence of hypotension. Additionally, acidosis often may not resolve simultaneously with a decline in plasma glucose because the hydration itself can induce renal tubular acidosis via suppression of plasma renin activity and aldosterone. The objectives of insulin administration include gradual lowering of plasma glucose and amelioration of ketoacidosis. Serum glucose reduction at the rate of 10% per hour from the initial concentration is recommended to avoid adverse outcomes. A greater rapid decline in blood glucose concentration increases the risk of hyperosmotic encephalopathy (cerebral edema).24-26 Therefore, blood glucose concentration must be monitored hourly at the bedside with a point-of-care glucose meter.
The IV route is considered to be the most optimal because it promotes direct entry of insulin into circulation and is, therefore, the most accepted and established approach of insulin administration.64-75 This route is absolutely essential in the presence of hypotension due to severe dehydration occurring in many subjects with DKA. Absorption of insulin and its entry into circulation is hampered with any other route of administration (e.g., subcutaneous or intramuscular) and therefore is distinctly suboptimal. Moreover, IV administration is also convenient because of the ease of adjustment of the infusion rate as well as repeated administration of the bolus dose if required to obtain desirable lowering of glycemia. All types of insulin attain a similar serum profile when administered intravenously.66,76
The aim of IV bolus administration is to raise the serum insulin level promptly, which is then maintained at a steady state by continuous IV infusion as based on the sound physiologic principle. Administration of insulin infusion alone delays the rise in serum insulin concentration required for prompt desirable lowering of glucose and amelioration of ketoacidosis. The initial insulin dose is based on the patient’s body weight (0.1 unit/kg) or the blood glucose concentration: 5 units for each 250 mg/dL over 250 mg/dL, to a maximum of 20 units for blood glucose > 1000 mg/dL. IV bolus administration is followed by a continuous insulin infusion at a rate of 0.1 unit/kg/hr. Other studies71,72 also have used IV bolus infusion therapy as a comparative standard while assessing other alternative insulin strategies, including hourly subcutaneous administration, confirming its acceptance and adoption by most experts. Moreover, in these studies, subcutaneous administration was preceded by intravenous bolus.71,72 However, a few studies question the benefit of intravenous bolus administration of insulin when compared to administration of continuous infusion alone.70,71
A study by Kitabchi et al examined the comparative efficacy of an insulin priming dose followed by continuous insulin infusion at two different hourly rates with continuous infusion without a priming dose.73 Patients were divided into three groups: 1) load group of 12 patients using a priming IV dose of 0.07 units of regular insulin per kg body weight followed by a continuous IV infusion with a dose of 0.07 units/kg/hr; 2) no load group of 12 patients using an IV infusion of regular insulin of 0.07 units/kg/h without a priming IV dose; and 3) twice no load group of 13 patients using an IV infusion of regular insulin of 0.14 units/kg/h (i.e., twice the dose in group 2) without a priming dose. The study concluded that the times to reach glucose < 250 mg/dL were not significantly different among groups. However, several patients in the group not administered the priming or the bolus insulin dose required “supplemental” insulin to decrease the initial glucose levels by 10%.71 Another study suggested that lower insulin dose (0.5-4 units/hour) may be as effective as the currently recommended dose of 0.1 unit/kg/hour. However, the total insulin dose was not much less due to the longer duration required for achieving desirable glycemia and remission of ketoacidosis.74
Moreover, in all of these studies,72-74 the blood glucose levels of patients at diagnosis of DKA were only mild-to-moderately high (< 500 mg/dL) and the number of subjects in these studies was relatively small to draw appropriate and definitive conclusions. A retrospective study by Bradley and Tobias reviewed the therapy of DKA in children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit over a 10-year period.75 This retrospective study compared two protocols: 1) administration of IV bolus of insulin 0.24 ± 0.27 units/kg body weight followed by continuous infusion and 2) continuous insulin infusion alone. Patients who received continuous infusion alone required longer duration of therapy for achieving the desirable glycemic goal as well as resolution of DKA.7 An administration of IV insulin infusion alone appears to delay prompt lowering of glucose and correction of acidosis due to a slow rise in serum insulin concentration and frequently leads to markedly high rates of insulin infusion. Therefore, it would be prudent to implement an appropriate insulin therapy strategy in an individual patient depending on the unique presenting characteristic features at diagnosis of DKA. Thus, sound clinical judgment is extremely important in deciding whether a patient needs a bolus administration prior to continuous infusion based on the severity of hyperglycemia and/or ketoacidosis. For example, in a patient presenting with initial blood glucose of 800 mg/dL, administration of continuous IV infusion without the bolus may delay appropriate lowering of blood glucose control due to required duration of treatment. On the other hand, in a patient presenting with blood glucose of 300 mg/dL, IV bolus prior to continuous insulin therapy may not be necessary.
The rate of insulin infusion must be reduced if the decline in blood glucose is > 10% per hour and can be adjusted based on the following formula: Units of regular insulin/h = (glucose - 60) × 0.01 or 0.02. American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for management of DKA recommend gradual reduction in the rate of IV insulin infusion and initiation of subcutaneous insulin administration in a multiple daily-dose schedule when the blood glucose declines to ≤ 200 mg/dL (11.1 Mm/L) and two of the following goals are attained: serum anion gap < 12 Mm/L (or at the upper limit of normal range for the local laboratory), serum bicarbonate ≥ 15 Mm/L, arterial blood pH >7.30, and resumption of oral intake.1
Subcutaneous insulin is administered in a basal prandial pattern to achieve normal physiologic insulin secretion profile.77 Basal insulin controls hyperglycemia between meals and during overnight fast, whereas rapid-acting insulin helps attain desirable postprandial glycemic excursions. The currently approved basal insulin formulations include the newer insulin analogs — insulin glargine and insulin detemir — as well as older intermediate-acting neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin.77-80 However, insulin glargine is superior to other formulations, including NPH77 and detemir,81-84 as it has a peakless profile and lasts for 24 hours in most patients.78,79 It is used as a single subcutaneous daily dose administered about the same time every day. In contrast, both insulin detemir and NPH demonstrate a peak at the usual effective dosage, the duration of action is much less than 24 hours, and both need to be injected twice daily.80-84 It is important to overlap the IV insulin infusion and the subcutaneous insulin for 1-2 hours prior to stopping the IV insulin. Abrupt discontinuation of insulin infusion acutely reduces serum insulin levels and may result in recurrence of hyperglycemia and/or ketosis.64-75,82-85
If a patient is unable to resume oral intake and is provided caloric intake via continuous parenteral or enteral route, continuation of IV insulin infusion is the optimal choice, as there are rare excursions of glucose in absence of intermittent intake.85 However, step-down units or general medical and surgical wards frequently are not equipped for continuing IV insulin infusion. In this situation, one subcutaneous injection of basal insulin glargine may be an alternative effective option in maintaining desirable glycemia.86
Patients with established diagnosis of T1DM prior to onset of DKA may be reinitiated on their home subcutaneous insulin regimen on resumption of oral caloric intake.1 In insulin-naive patients with T1DM, a multiple daily dose subcutaneous insulin injection regimen should be started at a dose of 0.5-0.6 units/kg per day, including bolus and basal insulin, until an optimal dose is established. Usual distribution of daily insulin dose is 50% basal and 50% prandial. Prandial daily dose usually is divided into three mealtime dosages. For example, a 72 kg male may require a total of 36 units — half of this dose (18 units) would be the basal dose and the other half (18 units) may be divided into three dosages of six units administered with each meal. Another alternative is to administer mealtime insulin dosage based on the amount of carbohydrate intake by educating patients about carbohydrate counting. Either way, good clinical judgment and frequent glucose assessment are vital in initiating a new insulin regimen in insulin-naive patients with T1DM or T2DM.1
Treatment with a basal-bolus regimen is proactive and prevents hyperglycemia, whereas a sliding scale regular insulin regimen administered alone subcutaneously at an interval of 6 hours is suboptimal and, hence, is not recommended.83-85 Subjects with T2DM may be discharged on the same regimen as the inpatient insulin regimen but need to be followed up promptly within 1-2 weeks to assess the need for continuing insulin therapy or reversing to their prior hypoglycemic therapy, including lifestyle modification, oral hypoglycemic agents, and/or insulin therapy.
Electrolytes
Two major depleted electrolytes include sodium and potassium (see Table 6). However, losses also involve other electrolytes, such as chloride, phosphate, and magnesium. Osmotic dieresis secondary to hyperglycemia is the major contributing factor to total body losses of almost all electrolytes including sodium.
Serum sodium may vary from subnormal to supernormal concentrations due to depletion as well as a shift from extracellular compartment to intracellular milieu due to hyperosmolarity. Serum sodium should be “corrected” in the presence of hyperglycemia. Corrected serum sodium was calculated with the correction factor of 1.6 per formula provided by Katz in 1973: Corrected sodium = measured sodium + [patient’s serum glucose - 100 (normal serum glucose)/1.6].87 However, in 1999, Hillier and colleagues recommended another equation with a mean correction factor of 2.4, particularly with serum glucose levels > 400; corrected sodium = measured sodium + (serum glucose - 100)/2.4.88 Based on the established calculation of serum osmolality with sodium and glucose [serum osmolality = 2 × serum Na (mOsm/L) + serum glucose (mg/dL)/18, molecular weight of glucose being 180 mOsm/L], the correction factor equals 2.8 [serum glucose/36 (18 × 2)] rendering the following equation for the corrected serum sodium: serum sodium = measured sodium + glucose/2.8. This equation matches the formula provided by Hillier et al, as this calculation does not subtract 100 from the patient’s serum sodium.
Total body potassium is depleted in DKA due to osmotic diuresis. However, serum potassium levels may be variable at the time of patient presentation. High serum potassium levels are attributed to a shift of potassium from intracellular space to extracellular space due to acidosis and lack of insulin. Normal or low serum potassium may be present despite acidosis and extracellular shift due to extreme depletion of total body potassium secondary to hyperglycemic osmotic diuresis. Administration of insulin and IV fluid facilitates intracellular influx of potassium, magnesium, and phosphate and may lead to a decline in serum concentrations of these electrolytes.37-39,89 Additionally, hydration with normal saline improves renal blood flow, facilitating tubular exchange of potassium for sodium, promoting urinary excretion of potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium.37-39,89 Therefore, frequent and close monitoring of potassium, phosphate, and magnesium is crucial, as these electrolytes are essential for adequate functioning of neuromuscular systems including the myocardium. Maintaining normal serum potassium is critical as low levels may lead to cardiac arrhythmias and death. The average potassium deficit in DKA is 3-5 mEq/kg body weight, although it may be as high as 10 mEq/kg body weight in some subjects. Potassium must be replaced once the serum level starts declining below 5 mEq/L, with the goal of maintaining the serum potassium level between 4-5 mEq/L.1 IV administration is preferred for potassium repletion at a rate of 10 mEq/hr. However, in circumstances involving lack of venous access due to dehydration or lack of equipment in developing or least developed countries, oral or enteral potassium supplementation may be used. In patients with nausea and inability to ingest potassium tablets, a nasogastric tube may be inserted for administration via this route.
Bicarbonate therapy for correcting acidosis in DKA has not been shown to improve patient outcomes and may actually induce potentially serious complications, such as hypokalemia, rebound metabolic alkalosis, and delay in improvement of both hyperosmolarity and ketosis.90-92 Furthermore, in DKA patients with an initial pH < 7.0, IV bicarbonate therapy does not decrease the time to resolution of acidosis or shorten the period of hospital stay. Bicarbonate administration also has been implicated as a risk factor for cerebral edema in children.93
In adults, cerebral acidosis may lag behind serum acidosis with bicarbonate therapy and may cause disequilibrium between cerebral pH and serum pH, leading to worsening or persistence of altered mental status.93,94 Finally, because of the potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes, the ADA guidelines recommend using bicarbonate only when the serum pH is < 6.9 with a prompt correction to 7.0-7.1 and/or with simultaneous presence of lactic acidosis.1
Once the treatment of DKA is initiated, it is important to identify an underlying acute disorder frequently responsible for induction of DKA (see Table 7) and initiate a prompt and appropriate management of this disorder. Adverse outcomes due to DKA and during administration of fluids, insulin, and electrolytes must be anticipated and prevented (see Table 8). Dehydration may lead to vascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, mesenteric thrombosis, and peripheral vascular occlusion secondary to rise in serum viscosity. Cerebral edema is a rare adverse outcome occurring during the treatment of DKA in patients and is attributed to rapid glucose lowering, especially in patients at extremes of age. Treatment of DKA may result in complications such as hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyperchloremic acidosis, cerebral edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and fluid overload with generalized edema.94
Table 7. Common Precipitants of DKA
New onset diabetes (20-25%)
Acute illness:
- Infection (30-40%)
- Cerebral vascular accident
- Myocardial infarction
- Acute pancreatitis
Drugs:
- Clozapine or olanzapine
- Cocaine
- Lithium
- Terbutaline
Inadequate insulin treatment or noncompliance
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Table 8. Complications in DKA |
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Complications Due to Treatment of DKA |
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Prevention
Prevention of DKA consists of key management principles. Diabetic educators and other providers must educate patients and their caregivers on daily diabetic management as well as during special occasions such as traveling. Specific information should be provided regarding early and wise sick day management. An example of a sick day plan is found on the ADA website (see Table 9).95
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Table 9. Sick Day Management |
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In Your Notebook Include: |
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What to Expect |
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When sick, you or your child:
Contact the doctor if you or your child has:
If blood glucose levels get too high, your body will start to produce ketones. High ketone levels that go unchecked can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or even diabetic coma. |
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Adapted from: American Diabetes Association. Sick Days. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/everyday-life/sick-days.html. |
Education of patients and/or their caregivers must include blood glucose goals as well as frequency of administration of rapid-acting insulin to achieve recommended glycemic goals. Further education includes self-monitoring of blood glucose levels every 4-6 hours, body temperature monitoring, and ingestion of an easily digestible liquid diet containing an adequate amount of carbohydrates and salt based on the nature of illness. Rapid-acting insulin, such as lispro, aspart, or glulisine, must be administered subcutaneously if the patient is able to eat. Since a person's appetite is unpredictable and erratic during illness, administration immediately post-meal based on the amount of carbohydrates or food consumed and pre-meal blood sugar reading is preferred over administration prior to the meal in anticipation of the food to be consumed. Moreover, insulin dose is better adjusted if administered post-meal depending on the amount of carbohydrates consumed to prevent postprandial hypoglycemia if the patient is unable to consume the entire meal. Finally, it is equally important to educate patients and their next of kin or caregivers that rapid-acting insulin should not be withheld during illness, even if patients lose their appetite and are unable to eat. In this situation, blood sugar and blood or urine ketone levels must be monitored, followed by subcutaneous administration of rapid-acting insulin every 4 hours, with the dose based on both blood sugar and blood or urine ketone readings. Blood sugar is tested by a blood glucose meter. Blood or urine ketones are assessed by either semi-quantitative estimation of acetoacetate and acetone levels in urine by nitroprusside reaction (Rothera’s test) or through measurement of B-hydroxybutyrate in capillary blood by a specific enzymatic reaction.96,97 Blood ketone testing has been shown to be superior and more reliable than urine ketone testing in some studies.28-31,96-98 However, self-monitoring of blood glucose at frequent intervals is the most important maneuver, since persistent hyperglycemia is the precursor to progression to hyperglycemic crisis including DKA. Recommended blood sugar goals are preprandial capillary plasma glucose reading of 80-130 mg/dL and peak postprandial capillary plasma glucose level of < 180 mg/dL.95-98
Patients using an insulin pump may need to discontinue the pump during illness and administer rapid-acting subcutaneous insulin at 4-6 hours, since use of the pump is shown to be inadequate in attaining and maintaining desirable blood sugars. Therefore, all patients using insulin pumps must be educated about backup protocols for administering basal and rapid-acting insulin as well as the supplies needed to implement the protocol during illness. Moreover, the patient/family must be encouraged to keep an accurate record of blood glucose and urine or blood ketone levels, the dose of insulin, and the timing of insulin administration as well as temperature, respiration, pulse rates, and body weight.
Clinical indicators for hospitalization include > 5% loss of body weight, respiration rate > 36/min, persistently elevated blood glucose, mental status change, uncontrolled fever, unresolved nausea, and vomiting.1 With onset of any of these manifestations, patients or next of kin must seek a prompt consultation with the patient’s usual provider or visit a local urgent care center or emergency department. Patients should be instructed and encouraged to obtain early consultation rather than delaying the appointment to prevent progression of illness, hyperglycemia, and critical complications (e.g., DKA and other hyperglycemic emergencies).
CONCLUSION
DKA is a potentially life-threatening disorder in patients with both T1DM and T2DM. Prompt recognition of the disorder through a detailed history, a thorough physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing, followed by efficient management with appropriate fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, and adequate insulin therapy, is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes including death. DKA management requires recognizing the laboratory turnaround time and the practical aspects of administration of fluid, electrolytes, and insulin. Prevention of recurrence must be a major goal in every patient hospitalized for DKA. This can be achieved by educating both patient and caregivers and by providing appropriate management protocols for implementation during travel and sick days. With meticulous management, mortality in adult patients with DKA is almost negligible.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute metabolic disorder characterized by markedly increased circulating ketone bodies leading to ketoacidosis in the presence of prolonged hyperglycemia due to an absence of insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis may present in subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus with an absolute or relative insulin deficiency or in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus due to relative insulin deficiency. Diabetic ketoacidosis commonly occurs at the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus but also may occur from withdrawal or omission of insulin therapy due to psychiatric, social, or economic reasons or due to increased insulin requirements during an acute illness.
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