Hyperkalemia in severe diabetic ketoacidosis is due to:
ExplanationTranscellular shifts of hydrogen into the cell with potassium leaving the cell during acidosis produce transient hyperkalemia, which is usually reversed with improvement in metabolism by insulin and improved tissue perfusion from isotonic fluids. Hypokalemia may develop during therapy with insulin; placing potassium salts in the intravenous solution given to the patient may reduce this risk.
