Etymed
diabetic ketoacidosis
Definition
A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood glucose levels, ketone production, and metabolic acidosis
Clinical context
A 24-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain for the past 12 hours. His blood glucose is 450 mg/dL, and his arterial blood gas shows a pH of 7.20 with elevated ketones. He appears dehydrated and lethargic. His recent insulin dose was skipped due to illness. This patient has diabetic ketoacidosis requiring urgent treatment with IV fluids and insulin.
Mnemonic
SICK DIABETES: Severe, Insulin deficiency, Dehydration, Ketosis, Acidosis, Elevated glucose
These morphemes also unlock…
- diabet — to pass through; diabetes mellitus
- ic — pertaining to
- keto — ketone body
- acid — acid
- osis — abnormal condition