Successful medical management of diabetic ketoacidosis at first presentation in a child with type 1 diabetes: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is considered to be a common presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. It occurs when absolute or relative insulin insufficiency prevents glucose from entering the cells for use as metabolic fuel, causing the liver to quickly break down fat into ketones for use as fuel source. As a result, ketones are overproduced, accumulating in the blood and urine making the blood acidic. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4 years and 8 months old child presented with the complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting along with polyurea, polydipsia and polyphagia. Routine examination of blood revealed that increased random blood glucose level. Once diagnosed, DKA was managed with fluid and insulin therapy with close monitoring and supervision. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: DKA can be easily diagnosed. Proper management should be done on time to prevent complications like hypokalemia, hyponatremia leading to cerebral edema and shock. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic awareness programs and school educational tutorials are beneficial for community awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes.