Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient With Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease primarily associated with elevated blood glucose levels in the body. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most feared acute presentation of diabetes mellitus (DM) in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA) is a relatively rare complication of DM in which the blood glucose levels are usually less than 250 mg/dl with an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. It can be a diagnostic challenge due to normal blood glucose levels and often can be overlooked. Physicians should be aware of EDKA; prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in the timely management of the condition to prevent complications. We present a case of EDKA in a 74-year-old female precipitated by a urinary tract infection which was identified and treated promptly with insulin and dextrose infusion. In addition to that, an important difference between British and American guidelines has been highlighted.

Keywords: diabetes mellitis; diabetic keto acidosis; endocrinology and diabetes; euglycemia diabetic ketoacidosis; insulin requirement; type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.