Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) By Erika F Brutsaert, MD, New York Medical College Reviewed / Revised Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Anion Gap Maintenance Fluid Calculation... Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute metabolic complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperketonemia, and metabolic acidosis.