Diabetic Ketoacidosis

This article reviews the most current literature on diabetic ketoacidosis, including how to make the diagnosis and management. It discusses euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and the risk factors for this rare but dangerous disease process. Pertinent pearls and pitfalls encountered by the emergency physician when managing these patients are included. Because these patients often stay in the emergency department for prolonged periods, recommendations on transitioning to subcutaneous insulin are included, along with dosing recommendations. Finally, the article reviews how to disposition patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and examines important factors that lead to a successful discharge home.