Latest advice on how to control diabetic ketoacidosis now available

New information on the management of diabetic ketoacidosis is now available.

The revised guidance aims to help the development and provision of valuable diabetes inpatient care.

In addition, the guidelines also contain a single page treatment pathway.

The document has been broadened to help individuals aged between 16 to 18 who are cared for by adult diabetes teams.

Significant differences in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management across the UK have already been established in previous documents by the Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS).

After a decade of following the same guidelines, the latest advice on DKA management is hugely appreciated.

According to recent findings, more cases of DKA in teenagers have been reported.

Teens between 16 and 18 can either be admitted to a paediatric or adult unit, however guidance across both settings vary, especially around fluid replacement.

The single page treatment pathway is broken down into:

• 0 to 60 minutes: Immediate management upon diagnosis
• 60 minutes to 6 hours
• 6 to 12 hours
• 12 to 24 hours

The updated recommendations include:

• Rationale for current practice
• General management issues
• The involvement of diabetes specialist teams
• Special groups
• Recommendations
• Complications of DKA and its treatment
• Implementation of the guidelines

The document was revised in June 2021 and has been created by a multidisciplinary team led by the Joint British Diabetes Society.

Additionally, the Primary Care Diabetes Society and Diabetes UK were also involved in producing the updated guidance.

Professor Ketan Dhatariya, of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was the main author of the revised DKA document.

To access the new guidelines, click here.