A male patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)has the following laboratory values: arterial pH 7.20;serum glucose 500 mg/dl;urine glucose and ketones positive;serum K⁺ 2 mEq/L;serum Na⁺ 130 mEq/L.He reports that he has been sick with the "flu" for 1 week.What relationship do these values have to his insulin deficiency?

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The laboratory values are consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs due to insulin deficiency. Without adequate insulin, glucose cannot be utilized for energy, leading to an increase in fatty acid breakdown and subsequent ketone formation, metabolic acidosis, and osmotic diuresis. The elevated serum glucose and positive urine glucose also indicate impaired glucose utilization. The low serum bicarbonate and low serum potassium also suggest metabolic acidosis, which is a consequence of ketone formation. The serum sodium level is relatively normal for DKA.

A Male Patient with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)has the Following Laboratory