Which symptom is commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis?

Which symptom is commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

In diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia causes osmotic diuresis. When blood glucose rises above the renal threshold, glucose spills into the urine and pulls water with it, increasing urine volume. This polyuria leads to dehydration and polydipsia as the body tries to compensate. Other options don’t fit this typical pattern: hypothermia and bradycardia are not characteristic, and weight gain would not occur—in DKA, weight loss from fluid and electrolyte loss is common.

In diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia causes osmotic diuresis. When blood glucose rises above the renal threshold, glucose spills into the urine and pulls water with it, increasing urine volume. This polyuria leads to dehydration and polydipsia as the body tries to compensate. Other options don’t fit this typical pattern: hypothermia and bradycardia are not characteristic, and weight gain would not occur—in DKA, weight loss from fluid and electrolyte loss is common.