Comparison between DKA and DKALK

CharacteristicsDKADKALK
Diabetes (RBS > 14 mmol/L)PresentPresent
Serum and urine ketonesPresent (> 3 mEq/L)Present (> 3 mEq/L)
Anion gap> 18 mEq/L> 18 mEq/L
Arterial pH< 7.3> 7.4
Bicarbonate< 18 mEq/L> 18 mEq/L

RBS: random blood sugar; DKA: diabetic ketoacidosis; DKALK: diabetic ketoalkalosis