Risk Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Research Articles

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy

Pregnancies complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis are associated with increased rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion is required, because diabetic ketoacidosis onset in pregnancy can be insidious, usually at lower glucose levels, and often progresses more rapidly as compared with nonpregnancy. Morbidity and mortality can be reduced with early detection of precipitating factors (ie, infection, intractable vomiting, inadequate insulin management or inappropriate insulin cessation, β-sympathomimetic use, steroid administration for fetal lung maturation), prompt hospitalization, and targeted therapy with intensive monitoring. A multidisciplinary approach including a maternal-fetal medicine physician, medical endocrinology specialists familiar with the physiologic changes in pregnancy, an obstetric anesthesiologist, and skilled nursing is paramount. Management principles include aggressive volume replacement, initiation of intravenous insulin therapy, correction of acidosis, correction of electrolyte abnormalities and management of precipitating factors, as well as monitoring of maternal-fetal response to treatment. When diabetic ketoacidosis occurs after 24 weeks of gestation, fetal status should be continuously monitored given associated fetal hypoxemia and acidosis. The decision for delivery can be challenging and must be based on gestational age as well as maternal-fetal responses to therapy. The natural inclination is to proceed with emergent delivery for nonreassuring fetal status that is frequently present during the acute episode, but it is imperative to correct the maternal metabolic abnormalities first, because both maternal and fetal conditions will likewise improve. Prevention strategies should include education of diabetic pregnant women about the risks of diabetic ketoacidosis, precipitating factors, and the importance of reporting signs and symptoms in a timely fashion.

Socioeconomic factors associated with pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis admissions in Southern West Virginia

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a well-known complication in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with a mortality rate estimated at 2%. A previous study identified that T1DM children of non-Caucasian race with Medicaid insurance had increased incidence of DKA admissions. The aim of this study is to identify the socioeconomic factors associated with DKA admissions in West Virginia (WV). Retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with DKA in Charleston, WV from January 2007-December 2010. Included subjects were 1-18 years of age and those with type 1 diabetes of >6 months duration. Admission rates were compared with the normal population distribution in WV. The data collection tool included multiple socioeconomic factors and HbA1c. We reviewed a total of 167 patients with an admitting diagnosis of DKA; 57% were female, 43% male. Average age was 13.5 years ± 2.7; 56.4% were covered by Medicaid/Chips (WV state insurance) and 43.6% by commercial payers. 11.9% were African American and 88.1% were Caucasian. The average HbA1c was 10.85 ± 2.36%. Higher risks for DKA included those with HbA1c >14%, African American children (OR 17.4, CI 4-73) and children with Medicaid/Chips insurance (OR 9.3, 95% CI 1.1-76.2). This study identifies socioeconomic factors associated with children admitted for DKA in WV. Patients at higher risk for DKA include those with elevated HbA1c, African American race and those covered by Medicaid/CHIPS (thereby presumed lower socioeconomic status). Findings can be utilized to identify patients at highest risk for DKA and implementation of prevention strategies.

Ketoacidosis at presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children: a retrospective 20-year experience from a tertiary care hospital in Serbia

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has significant morbidity and mortality and is common at diagnosis in children. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of DKA over a 20-year period among children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at University children's hospital in Belgrade, Serbia. The study population comprised of 720 patients (366 boys) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged <18 years between January 1992 and December 2011. Of all patients diagnosed with T1DM, 237 (32.9 %) presented with DKA. The majority had either mild (69.6 %) or moderate (22.8 %) DKA. Sixty (55.0 %) of all children under 5 years had DKA compared to sixty-two (20.9 %) in the 5- to 10-year-old group and one hundred fifteen (36.6 %) in the 11- to 18-year-old patients (p<0.01), while 2.5 % of the entire DKA cohort were in real coma. During the later 10-year period, children less often had DKA at diagnosis compared with the earlier 10-year period (28.0 vs. 37.4 %) (p<0.01), but the frequency of severe DKA was higher in the age group <5 year and in the age group >11 year during 2002-2011, compared with the earlier 10-year period (12.9 vs. 3.4 %, p<0.01 and 17.1 vs. 3.8 %, p<0.01). The overall frequency of DKA in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes decreased over a 20-year period at our hospital. However, children aged <5 years and adolescents are still at high risk for DKA at diagnosis.

Insulin pump therapy

Abstract Intensive insulin therapy is the mainstay of diabetes care as it prevents or delays the long term complications of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Insulin pump therapy can deliver improved diabetes control and at the same time reduce the number and serious nature of any hypoglycaemic episodes. The therapy is not associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. In the UK pump therapy should follow National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines and be instigated and supported by teams experienced in insulin pump therapy, with skills and competences to ensure sustained positive outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring offers the possibility of further improvements in control and reduction in hypoglycaemic events. This article aims to give an overview of the important issues to consider in initiation and care of children receiving insulin pump therapy. It discusses the principles of treatment, the current eligibility criteria and offers practical advice for those involved in day-to-day management of children on insulin pumps.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

Hyperglycemic Emergencies in Adults

Hyperglycemic Emergencies in Adults

Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis: role of family history and class II HLA genotypes

To explore the relationship between family history of diabetes and frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis and to analyze the possible association between HLA genotypes and DKA. We recruited 510 children and adolescents aged <17 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and collected information on first-degree relative (FDR) history of T1D. DKA and severe DKA were defined as blood pH <7.30 and <7.10 at diabetes onset respectively. Risk categories for developing T1D were determined according to various HLA DQA1-DQB1 haplotype combination genotypes. The frequency of DKA and severe DKA at diagnosis was 34.7 and 7.2% respectively. DKA was more frequent in younger patients (<2 years (60.0%; P<0.001)) and occurred less in children with at least one FDR affected by T1D (13.0 vs 37.4%, P<0.001). The logistic regression showed that age at diagnosis (<2 years) and increased HLA-associated risk genotypes were independent predictors of DKA (P<0.01, odds ratio (OR)=1.068 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.021-1.117); P<0.05, OR=1.606 (95% CI 1.034-2.475)). Introducing the presence of T1D in at least one FDR in the logistic model, a significant association between DKA and age at diagnosis (<2 years; P<0.01, OR=1.072 (95% CI 1.024-1.123)) and absence of FDRs with T1D (P=0.001, OR=4.287 (95% CI 1.770-10.383)) was found, but no more with increased HLA-associated risk genotype (P=0.06, OR=1.550 (95% CI 0.992-2.423)). HLA-associated high-risk genotypes are associated with a high chance of presenting DKA at diabetes onset. However, having at least one FDR with T1D reduced the risk of DKA regardless of HLA genotype.

Morbidity and Mortality of Diabetic Ketoacidosis With and Without Insulin Pump Care

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most common, costly, and dangerous acute complications in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although DKA has been reported to occur with less frequency than severe hypoglycemia, it is associated with a higher mortality rate and is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths in children and adolescents. The most common risk factor for DKA is lack of adherence to insulin treatment. Other factors include underinsurance, psychiatric disorders, occlusion of insulin pump infusion sets, and illness. It has been suggested that use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy may increase the risk for DKA, although clinical trials have not supported this claim. Expert care within a T1D specialty clinic may help reduce the risk of DKA mortality. Further advances are needed in developing new technologies and methods to improve glycemic control in intensively treated patients without increasing the risk of acute complications. The purpose of this review is to discuss DKA morbidity and mortality in youth with T1D, particularly in relation to insulin pump use.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Diabetes Onset: Still an All Too Common Threat in Youth

To define the demographic and clinical characteristics of children at the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D), with particular attention to the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The Pediatric Diabetes Consortium enrolled children with new-onset T1D into a common database. For this report, eligible subjects were aged <19 years, had a pH or HCO(3) value recorded at diagnosis, and were positive for at least one diabetes-associated autoantibody. Of the 1054 children enrolled, 805 met the inclusion criteria. A pH of <7.3 and/or HCO(3) value of <15 mEq/L defined DKA. Data collected included height, weight, hemoglobin A1c, and demographic information (eg, race/ethnicity, health insurance status, parental education, family income). The 805 children had a mean age of 9.2 years, 50% were female; 63% were non-Hispanic Caucasian. Overall, 34% of the children presented in DKA, half with moderate or severe DKA (pH <7.2). The risk for DKA was estimated as 54% in children aged <3 years and 33% in those aged ≥ 3 years (P = .006). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = .002), lack of private health insurance (P < .001), African-American race (P = .01), and no family history of T1D (P = .001) were independently predictive of DKA. The mean initial hemoglobin A1c was higher in the children with DKA compared with those without DKA (12.5% ± 1.9% vs 11.1% ± 2.4%; P < .001). The incidence of DKA in children at the onset of T1D remains high, with approximately one-third presenting with DKA and one-sixth with moderate or severe DKA. Increased awareness of T1D in the medical and lay communities is needed to decrease the incidence of this life-threatening complication.

Heartbreak to Happiness: Striving to Improve Outcomes for the Patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, major, life-threatening complication of diabetes that warrants prompt recognition and a multidisciplinary approach to provide intensive management and monitoring of both mother and fetus. DKA is estimated to occur in 1 to 2% of pregnancies complicated by preexisting diabetes, with 10 to 30% of women having a serum glucose less than 250 mg/dl upon diagnosis, and it poses a significant risk for the fetus, with perinatal mortality rates reported between 9% and 35%. Factors that increase the risk of DKA in pregnant patients include stress, trauma, infection, poor patient compliance, insulin pump failure, accidental omission of insulin, and medications utilized in the obstetric setting. It is crucial that nurses are familiar with the clinical signs of DKA so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be initiated to optimize outcomes for both the pregnant woman and her fetus. To better understand the signs and symptoms of DKA, an outline of the multisystem effects of a patient in DKA will be provided.

Recreational drug use in type 1 diabetes: an invisible accomplice to poor glycaemic control?

Recreational drug use during 'rave' parties is increasingly popular, but the impact of recreational drug use in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not known. We determined the self-reported pattern and effects of recreational/illicit drug use in Australians with T1D people by inviting people with T1D to participate in an anonymous online/paper survey of drug use, through national radio broadcast and online/hospital advertising. Of the people with T1D who responded to our survey, more than three quarters reported having used recreational/illicit drug, but few people had informed health professionals about drug use. Drug use was associated with worse glycaemic control and higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Medical awareness of common, currently underreported, drug use in young people with T1D is essential. It offers the possibility of helping such patients improve related suboptimal metabolic control.

Association of Epilepsy and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents: Is There an Increased Risk for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

To estimate the prevalence of epilepsy and possible risk factors in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. We conducted an observational cohort study based on the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation database including data from 45 851 patients (52% male) with type 1 diabetes mellitus, age 13.9 ± 4.3 years (mean ± SD) and duration of diabetes mellitus 5.4 ± 4.2 years. The database was searched for the concomitant diagnosis of epilepsy or epileptic convulsions and for antiepileptic medication. A total of 705 patients with epilepsy were identified, giving a prevalence of 15.5 of 1000. A total of 375 patients were treated with antiepileptic medication, and 330 patients were without anticonvulsive therapy. Patients with epilepsy were younger at onset of diabetes mellitus and shorter than patients without epilepsy, and their weight and body mass index were comparable. No difference could be demonstrated for metabolic control, type of insulin treatment, insulin dose, and prevalence of B-cell specific autoantibodies. The frequency of severe hypoglycemia was lower in patients treated with antiepileptic medication. The risk for diabetic ketoacidosis was almost double in patients with epilepsy compared with patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus alone (P< .01). Children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus show an increased prevalence of epileptic seizures. For unknown reasons, there is an association between epilepsy and diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Reduced prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in young children participating in longitudinal follow-up.

OBJECTIVEYoung children have an unacceptably high prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether knowledge of genetic risk and close follow-up for development of islet autoantibodies through participation in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study results in lower prevalence of DKA at diabetes onset in children aged <2 and <5 years compared with population-based incidence studies and registries.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSSymptoms and laboratory data collected on TEDDY participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 2004 and 2010 were compared with data collected during the similar periods from studies and registries in all TEDDY-participating countries (U.S., SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study; Sweden, Swediabkids; Finland, Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register; and Germany, Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumenation [DPV] Register).RESULTSA total of 40 children younger than age 2 years and 79 children younger than age 5 years were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in TEDDY as of December 2010. In children <2 years of age at onset, DKA prevalence in TEDDY participants was significantly lower than in all comparative registries (German DPV Register, P < 0.0001; Swediabkids, P = 0.02; SEARCH, P < 0.0001; Finnish Register, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of DKA in TEDDY children diagnosed at <5 years of age (13.1%) was significantly lower compared with SEARCH (36.4%) (P < 0.0001) and the German DPV Register (32.2%) (P < 0.0001) but not compared with Swediabkids or the Finnish Register.CONCLUSIONSParticipation in the TEDDY study is associated with reduced risk of DKA at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in young children.

Family history of diabetes and distribution of class II HLA genotypes in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes: effect on diabetic ketoacidosis

Our purpose was to assess whether family history of diabetes or the HLA-DR-DQ genotype of the index case was associated with the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of childhood type 1 diabetes. The study cohort comprised 1518 children aged <15 years and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Finland in 2002-2005. Family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among first-degree relatives (FDRs) and grandparents was assessed at diagnosis. HLA-DR-DQ genotypes were analysed using time-resolved fluorometry. In total, 12.6 and 1.7% of children had at least one FDR affected with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, respectively, and 6.6 and 34.8% had at least one grandparent with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. DKA (pH <7.30) occurred less frequently in children having a type 1 diabetes affected FDR (7.4 vs 20.5%, P<0.001). Type 2 diabetes among the parents or grandparents had no such effect. Lower risk HLA genotypes were observed to predispose to DKA (P<0.024). In a logistic regression analysis, the risk of DKA was independently associated with the absence of a family member affected by type 1 diabetes, the presence of a low-risk HLA genotype and older age at diagnosis (odds ratio 3.23, 1.45 and 1.07 respectively). The presence of type 1 diabetes in an FDR is associated with an decreased risk of DKA at diagnosis. The rate of DKA seems to be higher in children with lower HLA-conferred risk for type 1 diabetes.

The potential dangers of mephedrone in people with diabetes: a case report

Mephedrone is a cathinone derivative that has been used as a ‘legal high’ but was re-classified in the UK as a class B (intermediate category) drug. This report describes an 18-year-old man with type 1 diabetes who developed ketoacidosis following self-reported mephedrone use. Cathinone compounds may directly increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis by stimulating the central nervous system but may also indirectly impair an individual's ability to manage their diabetes through changes in cognitive function and behaviour.

Prevalence of hypokalemia in ED patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

ObjectiveAlthough patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are expected to have total body potassium depletion, measured levels may be normal or elevated due to extracellular shifts of potassium secondary to acidosis. Because insulin therapy decreases serum potassium levels, which creates potential to precipitate a fatal cardiac arrhythmia in a patient with hypokalemia, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends obtaining a serum potassium level before giving insulin. Although the ADA guidelines are clear, the evidence on which they are based is largely anecdotal. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with DKA before initiation of fluid resuscitation and insulin therapy. MethodsThis is a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study of patients with a capillary blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL or higher (at risk for DKA) seen in an urban county emergency department over a 1-year period. Those who consented provided basic demographic information and had a venous blood gas and chemistry panel drawn. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hypokalemia were defined using ADA recommendations. ResultsThe mean age in our sample was 40.2 years, and 81% of patients were Hispanic. Of 503 analyzable patients with hyperglycemia, 54 (10.7%) met all criteria for DKA. Of patients with DKA, 3 (5.6%) of 54 (95% confidence interval, 1.2%-15.4%) had hypokalemia. Two of these patients had values of 3.0 mmol/L, and 1 had a value of 2.8 mmol/L. ConclusionHypokalemia was observed in 5.6% of patients with DKA. These findings support the ADA recommendation to obtain a serum potassium before initiating intravenous insulin therapy in a patient with DKA.

Häufigkeit und Einflussfaktoren der Ketoazidose bei Diabetesmanifestation im Kindes- und Jugendalter - eine Langzeitstudie von 1995 bis 2009

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a frequent acute complication at onset of type 1 diabetes. It is assumed that increased public awareness about diabetes symptoms may reduce DKA rate at diabetes onset. To investigate the time-dependent trend in DKA prevalence we analysed the frequency and determinants of DKA at disease onset over 15 years in pediatric patients. The prevalence of DKA at disease onset was analysed in individuals aged ≤18 years treated for the first time from 1995-2009 within 7 days after diagnosis in pediatric centers. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate influencing factors on DKA prevalence. Change of the probability of ketoacidosis over years were modelled in the logistic regression as linear trend. 16 562 individuals from 170 institutions were studied with a mean age of 9.2 ± 4.2 years. DKA (pH <7.3) was present in 20.8% of patients without a significant trend between 1995 and 2009 (p=0.222). DKA prevalence was higher in children ≤5 years (26.3%) and in the age group 10-15 years (21.7%) than in individuals aged 5-10 years (16.4%) and 15-18 years (16.9%, p<0.001). Girls had DKA more often than boys (21.2% vs. 19.3%, p=0.002). DKA frequency was increased in individuals with migration background (26.5% vs. 19.2%, p<0.001). DKA prevalence at diabetes onset was constant at about 21% during the last 15 years. Very young children, pubertal adolescents, girls and individuals with migration background are at higher risk for DKA at diagnosis. To prevent DKA earlier diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is warranted especially in these patient groups.

Age-Related Differences in the Frequency of Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVEWe studied the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children in Finland.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSFrom 2002 to 2005, data on virtually all children <15 years of age diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (n = 1,656) in Finland were collected.RESULTSDKA was present in 19.4% of the case subjects, and 4.3% had severe DKA. In children aged 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years, DKA was present in 16.5, 14.8, and 26.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Severe DKA occurred in 3.7, 3.1, and 5.9%, respectively (P = 0.048). DKA was present in 30.1% and severe DKA in 7.8% of children aged <2 years.CONCLUSIONThe overall frequency of DKA in children is low in Finland at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. However, both children <2 years of age and adolescents aged 10–14 years are at increased risk of DKA.

Long-Acting Insulin Analogs and the Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVETo investigate if long-acting insulin analogs decrease the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in young individuals with type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSOf 48,110 type 1 diabetic patients prospectively studied between 2001 and 2008, the incidence of DKA requiring hospitalization was analyzed in 10,682 individuals aged ≤20 years with a diabetes duration of ≥2 years.RESULTSThe overall rate of DKA was 5.1 (SE ± 0.2)/100 patient-years. Patients using insulin glargine or detemir (n = 5,317) had a higher DKA incidence than individuals using NPH insulin (n = 5,365, 6.6 ± 0.4 vs. 3.6 ± 0.3, P < 0.001). The risk for DKA remained significantly different after adjustment for age at diabetes onset, diabetes duration, A1C, insulin dose, sex, and migration background (P = 0.015, odds ratio 1.357 [1.062–1.734]).CONCLUSIONSDespite their long-acting pharmacokinetics, the use of insulin glargine or detemir is not associated with a lower incidence of DKA compared with NPH insulin.

Insulin Pump Therapy Management in Very Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Compared to older children and adolescents very young patients with type 1 diabetes represent a unique population. We analyzed the age-dependent characteristics and parameters of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children under 6 years of age with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated metabolic control and pump-dependent characteristics in 46 children with type 1 diabetes after 0.89 +/- 0.62 years of CSII. Metabolic control significantly improved after CSII initiation (glycosylated hemoglobin, 8.12 +/- 1.24% vs. 7.30 +/- 0.67%; P < 0.05), without increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia. Interestingly, very young patients required bigger boluses than expected, especially in the morning and at the afternoon snack. These data support the need to personalize pump-dependent characteristics, especially in very young children with type 1 diabetes, in order to optimize CSII therapy in this unique age group of patients.