What blood glucose level is typical for diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. >100 mg/dL
• B. >180 mg/dL
• C. >400 mg/dL
• D. >250 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

Diabetic ketoacidosis commonly presents with high blood sugar, but the defining pattern is a combination of marked hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketones. The typical glucose level seen in DKA is above 250 mg/dL, reflecting the insulin deficiency driving increased glucose production and reduced utilization. This threshold helps distinguish DKA from milder hyperglycemia and from other emergencies. Levels higher than 400 mg/dL can occur, but they are not as characteristic of DKA, and very high glucose often suggests another issue or an overlap with hyperosmolar states. Note that, in rare cases (such as with certain medications or pregnancy), DKA can occur with normal or near-normal glucose, known as euglycemic DKA, but that is not the usual presentation.