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Diabetic Ketoacidosis — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

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ModerateEndocrinologyDiabetic KetoacidosisSCE Endocrinology

A 50-year-old with T2DM on basal insulin is admitted with DKA. Initial labs: glucose 28.9 mmol/L, K⁺ 4.6 mEq/L, pH 7.12, anion gap 24. After 1 L LR, next best insulin strategy?

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Correct answer: DBegin IV regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h (after potassium confirmed ≥3.3 mEq/L)

ADA recommends IV regular insulin 0.1 units/kg/h (with or without 0.1 units/kg bolus) after ensuring K⁺ ≥3.3. Sliding-scale alone or withholding insulin is inappropriate; a large bolus without infusion is not recommended; bicarbonate is not routinely indicated.

Reference: ADA Standards of Care (2025): Diabetes Care in the Hospital (DKA)