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Multiple Choice

In diabetic ketoacidosis, which clinical feature is most commonly seen?

Frequent urination is most commonly seen because diabetic ketoacidosis causes severe hyperglycemia. When glucose levels rise above what the kidneys can reabsorb, glucose spills into the urine. Water follows the glucose into the urine (osmotic diuresis), producing large volumes of urine. This is a hallmark early symptom and often accompanies dehydration and thirst. Weight loss can occur from dehydration rather than gain; hypertension is not typical due to volume depletion, and hypothermia is not a characteristic feature of DKA.

Frequent urination is most commonly seen because diabetic ketoacidosis causes severe hyperglycemia. When glucose levels rise above what the kidneys can reabsorb, glucose spills into the urine. Water follows the glucose into the urine (osmotic diuresis), producing large volumes of urine. This is a hallmark early symptom and often accompanies dehydration and thirst. Weight loss can occur from dehydration rather than gain; hypertension is not typical due to volume depletion, and hypothermia is not a characteristic feature of DKA.