[Diabetic ketoacedosis].

The diagnosis of diabetic ketoacedosis (DKA) may be based upon simple biochemical findings. Measurement of b-hydroxybutyrate in blood may replace semi-quantitative measurement of acetoacetic acid in urine. A list of criteria of graduating severity is suggested for the selection of patients to be treated in intensive care units. During treatment, intensive rehydration with sodium chloride for a longer period may induce metabolic acidosis. Terminating a regimen of intravenous insulin infusion requires knowledge of the difference in the duration of action of intravenous versus subcutaneous insulin.