Which laboratory values are typically elevated in a patient suffering from DKA?

In a patient suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the laboratory values that are typically elevated include serum acetone, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and ketones. DKA is characterized by a significant deficiency of insulin, which leads to increased fatty acid metabolism and the production of ketone bodies as a byproduct. These ketones—mainly acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone—accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to metabolic acidosis and contributing to the clinical features of DKA.

Elevated blood glucose levels can occur in DKA, but they are not the only relevant lab findings. The presence of high levels of ketones and metabolites specifically indicates that the body is in a state of increased fat metabolism due to insulin insufficiency, which is pivotal in the diagnosis of DKA. As such, the presence and level of ketones in the blood are critical markers in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Cholesterol and triglycerides might increase in some metabolic states but are not key indicators or elevations specifically associated with DKA. Similarly, although complete blood count values may show changes due to dehydration or infection, they are not directly relevant to the metabolic state associated with DKA itself.