Which of the following plays an impoant role in the treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis: March 2009

Ans. D: Insulin The cornerstone of DKA and HHS Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome management is insulin therapy. Low-dose insulin therapy is superior as smaller doses of insulin result in less hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Insulin increases peripheral glucose utilization and decreases hepatic glucose production, thereby lowering blood glucose concentration. In addition, insulin therapy inhibits the release of FFAs from adipose tissue and decreases ketogenesis, both of which lead to the reversal of ketogenesis. In critically ill and mentally obtunded patients, regular insulin given intravenously by continuous infusion is the treatment of choice