Diabetic ketoacidosis management (adult UK pathway)
A source-linked educational visual of adult diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosis, fluid and insulin treatment, monitoring and resolution from JBDS guidance.
Important safety note
This visual algorithm is an educational representation of published UK clinical guidance and is not a substitute for clinical judgement, local protocols, senior/specialist advice, or the original guideline. Verify current guidance before clinical use.
Scope and source
- Scope
- Adults with suspected or confirmed diabetic ketoacidosis in UK emergency and acute-care services.
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Primary guidance
- JBDS 02: The management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults
- Guidance last updated
- 2023-03-01
- Clinical reference reviewed
- 2026-09-08
- Review due
- 2027-03-08
Interactive clinical algorithm
This source-backed visual algorithm is available in the interactive page experience. Open the original guidance and the node notes before clinical use.
How to read this visual
- Read across the columns for the phases of the pathway; the swimlanes are who acts — Emergency and ward team, Bloods and monitoring, Senior and diabetes team.
- Bold marks the dose, threshold or time limit that decides the next step; the rest of a label is context.
- Confirm diagnostic criteria before beginning the DKA treatment branch.
- Open notes for potassium safety, fluid cautions and resolution criteria.
Clinical notes
- Follow the current local/JBDS protocol for fluids, insulin, potassium and monitoring frequency.
- Seek early senior/critical-care input for severe DKA, pregnancy, renal failure, heart failure or altered consciousness.
Sources
- JBDS 02: The management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults (Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care; 2023-03-01)
Open an editable reference copy
Create a personal educational copy. Verify the original guidance before clinical use.