Which laboratory finding is most indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and acute complication of diabetes, most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes. It occurs when there is a significant deficiency of insulin, leading to increased lipolysis and ketogenesis, which results in the production of ketone bodies. The key laboratory findings associated with DKA include significantly elevated blood glucose levels, acidosis, and the presence of ketones in the blood.

The presence of elevated blood ketone levels is specifically indicative of DKA, as ketones are formed from the breakdown of fatty acids when insulin is low and glucose cannot be utilized effectively by the body. The resultant acidosis is a result of the accumulation of ketone bodies, leading to a decrease in blood pH and creating a metabolic acidosis environment.

While hyperglycemia is also present in DKA, it is the combination of elevated ketone levels and metabolic acidosis that is most diagnostic for this condition. Understanding these key metabolic derangements helps in quickly identifying and managing DKA in a clinical setting.