A Mnemonic for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA is a favourite on Step 2 CK. Here's a good way of recollecting how a diagnosis of DKA is confirmed

D-iabetes (Serum Sugar > 250 mg/dL)
K-etone bodies in blood
A-cidosis (pH less than 7.3 or Bicarbonates less than 15-22 mmol/L)

Main Clinical Signs / Symptoms:

D - Diuresis, Delirium / Dizziness, Dehydration
K - Kussmaul Breathing, Ketotic Breath
A - Abd. Pain

DKA Precipitators :

S - Sepsis
S - Surgery
S - Sugar High (Missed insulin)
S - Stress
S - Substances (Alcohol , Dope)