euglycemic ketoacidosis
Pronunciation: you-gly-SEE-mik
A life-threatening condition characterized by ketoacidosis with normal or only mildly elevated blood glucose levels, often associated with SGLT2 inhibitor use.
Full Definition
Euglycemic ketoacidosis (euDKA) is a serious metabolic emergency characterized by the presence of ketoacidosis (elevated ketones, metabolic acidosis) with blood glucose levels below the typical threshold for diabetic ketoacidosis (<250 mg/dL or 13.9 mmol/L). This condition has gained prominence with the widespread use of SGLT2 inhibitors, which can trigger ketogenesis while simultaneously lowering glucose levels through glucosuria. EuDKA can also occur in patients with prolonged fasting, severe illness, or other metabolic stressors. The condition is particularly dangerous because the normal glucose levels may delay recognition and treatment. Prompt identification requires measurement of ketones in patients presenting with metabolic acidosis, regardless of glucose levels.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as euDKA in clinical practice. Hyphenate when used as an adjective.
In Context
- "The emergency department physician suspected euglycemic ketoacidosis given the patient's metabolic acidosis and recent SGLT2 inhibitor use." — Emergency medicine case report
- "Healthcare providers should maintain high suspicion for euglycemic ketoacidosis in diabetic patients with unexplained acidosis." — Clinical safety alert