In diabetic ketoacidosis, blood glucose is typically over which level?

• A. Under 70 mg/dL
• B. Over 350 mg/dL
• C. 100-140 mg/dL
• D. 200-250 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

In DKA, lack of insulin causes the liver to pump out glucose and the body's tissues to take up glucose less effectively, so blood sugar climbs dramatically. At the same time, fat breakdown produces ketones, leading to acidosis. Because of these processes, blood glucose levels in DKA are typically very high. While a glucose level above 250 mg/dL is a diagnostic threshold, many patients with DKA present with levels well above that, and a common representation in exams is over 350 mg/dL. The other options reflect normal or only mild hyperglycemia, which are not characteristic of DKA.