Lesson of the month 1: Diabetic ketoacidosis in established renal failure.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common medical emergency. The pathophysiology of DKA in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease differs significantly from patients with preserved renal function. We describe a patient with pre-dialysis renal failure who presented with DKA. This case highlights the importance of tailoring the established management guidelines appropriately.