Case study : A 48-year-old man with diabetes with a history o | Biochemistry

Case study :
A 48-year-old man with diabetes with a history of alcohol abuse was admitted to the emergency department.
He had an elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and was experiencing extreme shortness of breath.

Laboratory results :

Glucose 570 mg/dl
Urinary ketone large
( reference range, negative ).
PH 7
PCO2 48 (35 ʹ 45 mmHg )
PO2 68 ( 70-100 mmHg)
HCO3 12 (22 -ʹ 26 mmol/L)

Interpretation :
1. Describe the acid–base disturbance?


2.What type acid-base disorder present ?

3. What may have
caused it?

4. What is the significance of the urinary ketones?