December 24, 1999
Hyperglycemia and DKA
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Question from Houston, Texas, USA:
What is the use of glucose, potassium, and phosphorous in an IV treatment for a child with severe hyperglycemia?
Answer:
From: DTeam Staff
When we treat hyperglycemia [high blood sugar], which may be accompanied by ketoacidosis, we also replace lost trace elements.
During hyperglycemia, potassium and phosphorus are lost in the urine. They need to be replaced. Potassium is actually critical — potassium depletion can be fatal, if not followed and treated.
Glucose is used because we need to “turn around” the metabolism with insulin. Insulin makes glucose go into cells and we need more glucose.
It is actually quite medically complex, but this is a “short” explanation.
LD
