Abbreviation: DKA
A condition that is primarily seen in patients with type I diabetes and is caused by insufficient insulin levels (often secondary to acute infection). Manifests with hyperglycemia (usually 200-600 mg/dL), polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, vomiting, volume depletion (e.g., dry oral mucosa, decreased skin turgor), and eventually mental status changes and coma. Unlike in HHS, there is no insulin available to suppress fat breakdown; ketogenesis results. Treatment consists of IV insulin, electrolyte, and fluid replacement.