Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a significant clinical problem because there is considerable morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. Although prevention of DKA remains a major focus in diabetic patients, it is apparent that critical care personnel will continue to be exposed to the acute complications. It is important that critical care personnel have training in the management of DKA so as to rapidly stabilize the patient, begin appropriate medical treatment, and initiate the work-up to identify precipitating factors. Only then will the mortality and morbidity associated with DKA be reduced.