What is dka in a child?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is considered to be a common presentation of both type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is biochemically defined as a venous pH <7. The adage “A child is not a miniature adult” is most appropriate when considering diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Diabetic ketoacidosis, in pediatric and adult cases, is a metabolic derangement caused by the absolute or relative deficiency of the anabolic hormone insulin. The diabetes health care team will let you know what your child's target blood sugar levels are, which will vary based on factors like your child's age. Most patients who have DKA are approximately 6% dehydrated (10% for children <2 years).