skip to main content

Type 1 diabetes during acute illness — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardDiabetesType 1 diabetes during acute illnessSCE Endocrinology

A 33-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes is on a variable-rate intravenous insulin infusion for sepsis. Her capillary glucose is 7.1 mmol/L, potassium 3.2 mmol/L and she has not received her usual basal insulin for 24 hours. The nurse asks whether the infusion can be stopped before transfer to the ward. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Continue insulin, replace potassium and prescribe basal insulin before stopping infusion

People with type 1 diabetes need basal insulin even when not eating, and hypokalaemia must be corrected during intravenous insulin therapy. Stopping insulin because glucose is normal risks rapid ketosis. The teaching point is that insulin is anti-ketogenic as well as glucose-lowering.

Reference: NICE NG17, JBDS inpatient diabetes guidance