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June 18, 2013
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Diabetic Ketoacidosis (cont.)

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Exams and Tests

The diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis is typically made after the health care practitioner obtains a history, performs a physical examination, and reviews the laboratory tests.

  • Blood tests will be ordered to document the levels of sugar, potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes. Ketone level and kidney function tests along with a blood gas sample (to assess the blood acid level, or pH) are also commonly performed.
  • Other tests may be used to check for conditions that may have triggered the diabetic ketoacidosis, based on the history and physical examination findings. These may include chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), urine analysis, and possibly a CT scan of the brain.

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis - Symptoms

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Diabetic Ketoacidosis »

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, major, life-threatening complication of diabetes.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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