The influence of blood hydrogen ion concentration on the level of consciousness in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Among 287 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, 212 patients were alert, 48 drowsy, 10 stuporous and 17 comatose. The mean blood hydrogen ion concentrations in these 4 groups of patients were 50.0; 72.8; 106.8 and 109.9 nmol/l, respectively. Increased blood hydrogen ion concentration seems to be an important factor in lowering the level of consciousness in diabetic ketoacidosis.