Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy

Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy is a rare but potential life-threatening condition for the mother and the fetus. Although predictably DKP is more common in patients with type 1 diabetes, it has been reported too in those with type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis usually occurs in the second and third trimesters because of insulin resistance. Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment of this condition are essential in order to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity. Despite improvement in its incidence rates and outcomes over the years, it still remains a major clinical problem that poses several challenges with respect to diagnosis and management.