ABCD guidelines for the management of hyperglycaemic emergencies in adults

Abstract

Diabetic emergencies are traditionally treated by the acute medical admitting team or the Accident and Emergency Department staff. Most will see these on a regular basis, as they are common and both type 1 and type 2 disease are increasing in prevalence. Diabetic emergencies are usually easily treated and the patients discharged. However, it is vital not to become complacent as these disorders can lead to death. It is particularly important to follow local guidance and to involve the Diabetes Team after each episode. We outline the basic management steps in the common diabetic hyperglycaemic emergencies and hope to give an insight to the non-expert. A proforma for the management of diabetic hyperglycaemic emergencies can be down-loaded from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) website at: http://www.diabetologists.org.uk/ABCD_DKA_Chart.pdf. ABCD proposes this chart as an example only and is not responsible for its use; that lies with the treating doctor. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.