ClinIQ Lexicon · Abbreviation
DKA — Diabetic Ketoacidosis
What DKA means
DKA is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes defined by the triad of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. It typically develops when an absolute or relative insulin deficiency lets counter-regulatory hormones drive uncontrolled lipolysis and hepatic ketone production.
DKA in clinical practice
Management follows the structured sequence of intravenous fluids, insulin infusion, and potassium repletion while hunting for the trigger — infection or missed insulin being classic exam answers. Cerebral edema remains the most feared complication, especially in children. The ClinIQ endocrinology DKA article breaks down the full protocol.
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