DKA commonly presents with which GI symptom?

DKA commonly presents with which GI symptom?

• A. Headache
• B. Nausea
• C. Vomiting
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (D)

Abdominal pain is commonly reported in adults with diabetic ketoacidosis. The combination of severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances (notably potassium and bicarbonate), and metabolic acidosis can irritate the GI tract and slow gastric motility, producing noticeable abdominal discomfort that can be prominent or even the presenting symptom. Nausea and vomiting often occur, but abdominal pain tends to be the more characteristic and memorable GI feature in DKA, and the pain can be out of proportion to exam findings at times, which can mimic an acute abdomen. This is why recognizing abdominal pain as a presenting GI symptom helps distinguish DKA from other causes of abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain is commonly reported in adults with diabetic ketoacidosis. The combination of severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances (notably potassium and bicarbonate), and metabolic acidosis can irritate the GI tract and slow gastric motility, producing noticeable abdominal discomfort that can be prominent or even the presenting symptom. Nausea and vomiting often occur, but abdominal pain tends to be the more characteristic and memorable GI feature in DKA, and the pain can be out of proportion to exam findings at times, which can mimic an acute abdomen. This is why recognizing abdominal pain as a presenting GI symptom helps distinguish DKA from other causes of abdominal pain.