Table 1

Diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS)

	DKA
	Mild	Moderate	Severe	HHS
*Formula: 2×{[Na⁺]+[K⁺]}+[urea]+[glucose].
†Formula: [Na⁺]–([Cl⁻]+[HCO₃⁻]) (mmol/l). Table largely adapted from Kitabchi et al.⁵
Plasma glucose (mmol/l	⩾14	⩾14	⩾14	⩾30
Arterial pH	7.25–7.35	7.0–⩽7.24	<7.0	>7.3
Serum bicarbonate (mmol/l)	15–18	10–14	<10	>15
Urine ketones	⩾++	⩾++	⩾++	⩽+
Plasma ketones	⩾++	⩾++	⩾++	⩽+
Total osmolality (mOsm/kg)*	Variable	Variable	Variable	⩾340
Anion gap†	>10	>12	>12	<12
Level of consciousness	Alert	Alert/drowsy	Stupor/coma	Stupor/coma