A 19-year-old man with type 1 diabetes presents with abdominal pain and Kussmaul breathing. Glucose is 28 mmol/L, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 8 mmol/L,

Question

A 19-year-old man with type 1 diabetes presents with abdominal pain and Kussmaul breathing. Glucose is 28 mmol/L, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 8 mmol/L, ketones 6.2 mmol/L and potassium 5.4 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous fluids, fixed-rate insulin infusion and potassium monitoring

Answer

Bicarbonate infusion as initial sole therapy

Answer

Oral metformin

Answer

Subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin and oral fluids

Answer

Cease insulin until potassium normalises

Diabetic ketoacidosis — RACP Written MCQ

A 19-year-old man with type 1 diabetes presents with abdominal pain and Kussmaul breathing. Glucose is 28 mmol/L, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 8 mmol/L, ketones 6.2 mmol/L and potassium 5.4 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate management?