KEY MESSAGES • Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state should be suspected in people who have diabetes and are ill. If either diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is diagnosed, precipitating factors must be sought and treated. • Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state are medical emergencies that require treatment and monitoring for multiple metabolic abnormalities and vigilance for complications. • A normal or mildly elevated blood glucose level does not rule out diabetic ketoacidosis in certain conditions, such as pregnancy or with SGLT2 inhibitor use. • Diabetic ketoacidosis requires intravenous insulin administration (0.1 units/ kg/h) for resolution. Bicarbonate therapy may be considered only for extreme acidosis (pH ≤7.0). KEY MESSAGES FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES When you are sick, your blood glucose levels may fluctuate and be unpredictable: • During these times, it is a good idea to check your blood glucose levels more often than usual (for example, every 2 to 4 hours). • Drink plenty of sugar-free fluids or water. • If you have type 1 diabetes with blood glucose levels remaining over 14 mmol/L before meals, or if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (see Table 1), check for ketones by performing a urine ketone test or blood ketone test. Blood ketone testing is preferred over urine testing. • Develop a sick-day plan with your diabetes health-care team. This should include information on: • Which diabetes medications you should continue and which ones you should temporarily stop • Guidelines for insulin adjustment if you are on insulin • Advice on when to contact your health-care provider or go to the emergency room. Note: Although the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adults and in children share general principles, there are significant differences in their application, largely related to the increased risk of lifethreatening cerebral edema with DKA in children and adolescents. The specific issues related to treatment of DKA in children and adolescents are addressed in the Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents chapter, p. S234. Symptoms Signs Hyperglycemia Polyuria, polydipsia, weakness ECFV contraction Acidosis Air hunger, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain Altered sensorium Kussmaul respiration, acetone-odoured breath Altered sensorium Precipitating condition See list of conditions in Table 2 Can J Diabetes 42 (2018) S109-S114 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Canadian Journal of Diabetes j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. c a n a d i a n j o u r n a l o f d i a b e t e s. c o m