Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture
Published on: August 4, 2023
Diagnosis and Management of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy
John C Rowe1, Morgan Scaglione, Marwan Ma'ayeh
1Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Euglycemic DKA -a variant of DKA with normal to mildly elevated blood glucose levels (less than 200 mg/dL) that is more common in pregnancy-presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. The physiologic adaptations that occur during pregnancy create an environment that makes pregnant patients highly susceptible to euglycemic DKA, with recent data suggesting that up to 35% of DKA cases in pregnancy present with euglycemia. Management cornerstones for euglycemic DKA include aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation with dextrose-containing fluids, intravenous insulin to halt ketogenesis, and the correction of electrolyte imbalances. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy, clinician awareness of euglycemic DKA is crucial, as timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to mitigate adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe the unique pathophysiology that increases pregnant patients' susceptibility to euglycemic DKA, outline diagnostic intricacies, and detail specific management strategies for this population.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Euglycemic DKA -a variant of DKA with normal to mildly elevated blood glucose levels (less than 200 mg/dL) that is more common in pregnancy-presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. The physiologic adaptations that occur during pregnancy create an environment that makes pregnant patients highly susceptible to euglycemic DKA, with recent data suggesting that up to 35% of DKA cases in pregnancy present with euglycemia. Management cornerstones for euglycemic DKA include aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation with dextrose-containing fluids, intravenous insulin to halt ketogenesis, and the correction of electrolyte imbalances. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy, clinician awareness of euglycemic DKA is crucial, as timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to mitigate adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe the unique pathophysiology that increases pregnant patients' susceptibility to euglycemic DKA, outline diagnostic intricacies, and detail specific management strategies for this population.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...

