Which lab results are commonly associated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

In the context of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), the association of hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis is well-established. DKA typically arises in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, mainly type 1, when there is a significant deficiency of insulin. This deficiency leads to elevated blood glucose levels, resulting in hyperglycemia, which is a hallmark of DKA.

With hyperglycemia, the body begins to break down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones. An increase in ketone bodies causes metabolic acidosis, contributing to a decreased pH in the blood. This state is what characterizes the acidosis seen in DKA.

Moreover, as insulin levels drop and acidosis develops, potassium shifts from the intracellular space to the extracellular fluid, leading to hyperkalemia. Although total body potassium may be depleted due to losses via urine, the serum potassium levels can remain high or even increase.

Therefore, the combination of hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis captures the critical metabolic derangements seen in DKA, making this the correct association.