Endocrinology

Serum vs. Total Body Potassium in DKA

When pH drops, K+ is pumped out of the cell in exchange for H+ because the body is trying to neutralize the acid. This excess K+ then goes into the urine and is removed in copious amounts due to the osmotic diuresis caused by the high blood glucose levels. The α-intercalated cells in the renal tubule that normally recovers K+ are overwhelmed by the high amounts of both K+ & H+.

If the serum K+ is LOW, it will means the patient is very ill, act quickly!

When you treat them, if you give insulin before fixing the K+ it can cause a massive movement of K+ back into cell and result in hypokalemia. Please refer to your institution’s guidelines for when to treat K+ during DKA.

REFERENCES

  1. Gosmanov AR, Gosmanova EO, Dillard-Cannon E. Management of adult diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. 2014;7:255-264. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S50516.
Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Recent Posts

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

1 month ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

1 month ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

1 year ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

1 year ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

2 years ago

How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Hypoventilation?

Although rare, the differential diagnosis of hypoventilation and hypercapnia respiratory failure includes hypothyroidism. It is…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.