The Metabolism of Potassium in Diabetic Acidosis *

Although it has been known for some time that a loss of potassium from the body occurs in fasting3' 18 and certain types of dehydration,5' 13 and recently that the replacement of this potassium during parenteral therapy of the dehydration due to infantile diarrhea may materially reduce the mortality rate,9 many of the changes that occur in the metabolism of potassium during the state of extreme dehydration associated with diabetic acidosis and coma have remained obscure. Potassium is lost from the body during the development of diabetic acidosis,1' 6 and low serum levels of potassium have been reported during recovery.7 19 ,2325,28 Occasionally there have been associated symptoms attributed to these low levels.23 28 A study of potassium metabolism in diabetic acidosis was undertaken in the hope of defining more clearly the changes in potassium which occur during recovery from severe diabetic acidosis and, if possible, to ascertain whether it is necessary to replace potassium in these patients.