Box 1.

Definition of diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Ketonaemia >3.0 mmol/L or significant ketonuria (more than 2+ on standard urine sticks)

  • Blood glucose >11.0 mmol/L or known diabetes mellitus

  • Bicarbonate (HCO 3-) <15.0 mmol/L and/or venous pH <7.3