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A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Type 1 diabetes in children - emergency management
Aris Siafarikas1, Susan O'Connell
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. aris.siafarikas@health.wa.gov.au
Insights
Early recognition and management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are crucial. Prompt assessment with urinalysis, blood glucose, and ketone tests can prevent severe complications and fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) diagnosis frequently involves presentation with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication.
- DKA is a leading cause of mortality in diabetes, primarily due to cerebral edema.
- Most patients with new-onset T1DM and DKA initially consult general practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance early DKA recognition in non-specialist settings.
- To provide guidelines for initial DKA management prior to specialist transfer.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on T1DM, DKA presentation, and management.
- Synthesis of evidence for early diagnostic markers and initial treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Increased awareness of early symptoms like polyuria and polydipsia improves DKA recognition.
- Urinalysis, fingerprick blood glucose, and ketone measurements are vital for early assessment.
- Risk factor identification aids in proactive DKA evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Early symptom recognition and diagnostic testing are key to minimizing DKA severity.
- Prompt referral to specialist centers is essential for suspected new-onset T1DM/DKA.
- Standardized initial management in non-specialist settings improves patient outcomes before transfer.
Background:
Fifteen to sixty-seven percent of patients with new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) present in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), of which approximately 79% initially see their general practitioner. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common cause of diabetes related deaths, mainly due to cerebral oedema that occurs in 0.4-3.1% of patients.
Objective:
The aim of this review is to provide information to improve the early recognition of DKA and to provide guidelines for the initial management of DKA in the nonspecialist setting.
Discussion:
Recognition of DKA can be improved by increasing the awareness for early clinical symptoms such as polyuria and polydipsia. It is important to include urinalysis and 'fingerprick' blood glucose and ketone measurements in the early assessment of patients with suspected T1DM and known T1DM, particularly if risk factors for DKA are present, to minimise serious complications and prevent fatal outcomes. Urgent referral to specialist centres for suspected new onset T1DM/DKA is required. Specific steps should be followed to ensure successful initial management of DKA in the nonspecialist setting before transfer.
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