Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and complex metabolic disorder that
usually occurs in young persons. Appropriate management includes admi
nistration of fluids, insulin, and potassium and a thorough search for
a precipitating cause. Careful and frequent follow-up and careful rec
ord keeping are needed to track important data. Many of the fatal comp
lications of diabetic ketoacidosis are preventable, particularly those
caused by hypokalemia and untreated infection.