Diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) continues to be a common presentation of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. Early recognition and treatment in patients with new-onset diabetes are essential to the prevention of this potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. DKA management protocols for paediatric patients differ from adult protocols, and therefore, it is important to have clear written guidelines and that in-patient care occur in centres with experience in the management of paediatric DKA. The present article outlines recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of DKA. It also discusses management guidelines for intercurrent illness, with a view to reducing the frequency of DKA in children and adolescents with established diabetes.