Q: Which doctor treats diabetic ketoacidosis?
A: Diabetic ketoacidosis is usually managed by an emergency care doctor and an endocrinologist.
Q: Why does diabetic ketoacidosis cause dehydration?
A: Diabetic ketoacidosis causes an increase in blood glucose level which causes excessive urination and loss of water. In addition, the vomiting and insufficient fluid intake due to vomiting that accompanies diabetic ketoacidosis contributes to dehydration.
Q: Can DKA occur in patients with type 2 diabetes?
A: DKA more commonly occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes. It can however occur in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in patients with other illnesses or intake of medications like corticosteroids that can increase the blood sugar levels.
Q: How is hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemia different from diabetic ketoacidosis?
A: Hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemia is also a complication of uncontrolled diabetes. The blood glucose level in this complication is much more than that in DKA >600 mg/dl with serum osmolality >320 mOsm/kg H2O. The patient has profound dehydration but no significant ketones in the blood. Acidosis is also absent.
