Which laboratory findings support a diagnosis of DKA?

• A. Hyperglycemia with high bicarbonate
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia with anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketones
• D. Normal electrolytes

Answer: (C)

DKA shows a distinct lab pattern where high glucose sits alongside a metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap and the presence of ketones. When insulin is lacking, the body makes more glucose and also breaks down fats, producing ketoacids. Those ketoacids accumulate in the blood, lowering the bicarbonate and the pH, and widening the anion gap. Detectable ketones in the blood or urine confirm ketosis. So the combination of hyperglycemia, anion gap metabolic acidosis, and ketones specifically points to DKA. Hyperglycemia with a high bicarbonate wouldn’t reflect the acidosis, hypoglycemia isn’t DKA, and normal electrolytes wouldn’t explain the acid-base disturbance or ketosis.