Diabetic ketoacidosis in southern Jordan: Five-year experience

Abstract

All cases of diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to Prince Zaid Hospital between 1993 and 1997 were analysed for precipitating causes and outcome. Of 167 cases. 89 were male and 78 female, with a mean age of 38 years. It was the initial presentation of diabetes mellitus in 21% of the patients. Infection and noncompliance were the leading precipitating causes but no cause was found in 14% of the patients. The mortality rate was 4.8%. Educating the public and patients about diabetic complications and therapy is the key to prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis.