DKA Severity Calculator

Diabetic ketoacidosis severity grading (mild / moderate / severe) per ADA criteria.

For educational and clinical reference. Not a substitute for medical judgment. See the medical disclaimer.
DKA severity
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Management note
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References

  1. Kitabchi AE, Umpierrez GE, Miles JM, Fisher JN. Hyperglycemic crises in adult patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009;32(7):1335-1343.

How to use

  1. Enter arterial pH and serum bicarbonate, and select mental status.
  2. Severity is graded by the worst of the three parameters.
  3. Severe DKA generally warrants ICU-level monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

How is DKA severity classified?

By the worst of arterial pH, serum bicarbonate, and mental status — mild (pH 7.25–7.30, HCO₃ 15–18, alert), moderate (pH 7.00–7.24, HCO₃ 10–<15, alert/drowsy), severe (pH < 7.00, HCO₃ < 10, stupor/coma).

Why use the worst parameter?

Severity is graded by the most abnormal category, not an average — a very low pH alone classifies the episode as severe.

What does severity change clinically?

It guides monitoring intensity and disposition; severe DKA generally warrants ICU-level care with frequent labs and protocolised insulin/fluids.

Does this diagnose DKA?

No — DKA diagnosis also requires hyperglycemia and ketosis/ketonuria. This tool grades severity once DKA is established.

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