Diabetic ketoacidosis masquerading behind alkalemia an undiagnosed or missed variant of diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common emergency in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. But rarely, they may present with alkalemia instead of acidosis. Diabetic ketoalkalosis which has been reported in adults can also be present in children with type 1 DM. The usual factors causing alkalemia were not found in our patients. This entity may manifest in both newly diagnosed and treated patients. Case presentation The first patient, an 8 year male presented with features of DKA, was diagnosed for the first time as type 1 DM, but was found to have alkalemia. The second patient, a 7 year female was a known case of Type 1 DM on insulin, who presented with dehydration and alkalemia. Both were treated with hydration and insulin and made complete recovery. Conclusions A normal or alkalotic pH does not essentially eliminate DKA and needs to be evaluated further to identify the underlying acid–base disturbance.