Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disturbances in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, and type 2 diabetes now accounts for 20 to 50% of cases of new-onset diabetes in young people. 1 Electrolyte disturbances are common in patients with diabetes and may be the result of an altered distribution of electrolytes related to hyperglycemia-induced osmotic fluid shifts or of total-body deficits brought about by osmotic diuresis. Complications from end-organ injury and the therapies used in the management of diabetes may also contribute to electrolyte disturbances. In this review, we highlight the ways in which specific electrolytes may be influenced by dysregulation in glucose homeostasis.