Changes in laboratory values often give us clues to what is happening with our patients. I came across the following resource this morning and thought it was worth sharing. Here’s a handy table to help you identify diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

The following equation can be used to calculate an anion gap:

Anion gap = Na⁺(mEq/L) – [Cl^-(mEq/L) + HCO₃^-(mEq/L)] 

You have an important role when caring for a patient with DKA.  Thorough physical assessments, careful monitoring of laboratory values, and critical thinking are essential to avoid complications of this complex disorder. Have you cared for a patient with DKA? What are the common presenting signs and symptoms?

Reference
Donahey, E., Folse, S., Weant, K. (2012). Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, 34(3).

The American Diabetes Association's 71st Scientific Sessions took place at the end of June and several headlines have come across our newsfeed .  Here are some highlights that you might be interested in:

• Diabetes Prevention Strategies Are Cost-Effective: Lifestyle intervention and metformin treatment are cost-effective and improve quality of life
• Cardiac Risk Factors Up in Teen Girls With Diabetes: Adolescent girls with diabetes have higher CRP, LDL, HbA1c and BMI than boys
• Longer Life Expectancy for Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Survival gap between patients with type 1 diabetes and the general U.S. population decreasing
• Diabetes Prevalence, Glycemia Levels Rising Globally: In high-income subregions, North America has largest increase in mean fasting plasma glucose
• Dietary Support Helps Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes: Intense diet intervention improves glycemic control, but exercise does not offer more benefits
• High-Protein or High-Carb Diet Help Weight Loss: Found equally effective in helping patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight
• Sulphonylurea Agents May Increase Cardiac Events: Sulfonylurea therapies may increase risk of CVD events in older patients with type 2 diabetes

Access more information from this meeting, including video highlights, webcasts of select presentations, and links to abstracts, at DiabetesPro: Professional Resources Online.

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