Use

β-hydroxybutyrate is one of three sources of ketone bodies. Ketoacidosis in diabetes usually occurs with decreased plasma pH and bicarbonate, increased glucose, and other abnormalities. As ketoacidosis and metabolic acidosis are treated, hypokalemia may become evident. A normal or low potassium on admission with ketoacidosis may indicate severe potassium depletion.1 Thus, potassium is among parameters to follow in treatment of ketoacidosis. In children younger than 10 years of age, diabetic ketoacidosis is reported to account for 70% of diabetes-related deaths.2