DKA represents an acute, severe complication of relative insulin deficiency and a common presentation of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) primarily and, occasionally, T2DM in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the biochemical triad of hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia and/or ketonuria, and acidaemia. Clinical symptoms include dehydration, tachypnoea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and reduced level of consciousness, precipitated by a variably long period of polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss. The present review aims to summarize potential pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of DKA. A literature review was conducted using the Pubmed/Medline databases including articles published from 2000 onwards. Diagnostic challenges include differentiating between T1DM and T2DM, DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), or between DKA and alternative diagnoses presenting with overlapping symptoms, such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, acute abdomen and central nervous system infection. The mainstays of DKA management include careful fluid resuscitation, timely intravenous insulin administration and restoration of shifting electrolyte disorders and underlying precipitating factors. However, evidence suggests that optimal treatment remains a therapeutic challenge. Accurate and rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention and meticulous monitoring are of major importance to break the vicious cycle of life-threatening events and prevent severe complications during this potentially fatal medical emergency.

During the preclinical research process, multiple factors can be difficult to implement without the careful consideration and planning of each step. As research has become more advanced with the use of increasingly complex technology, animal models have also become essential for understanding the potential impact of devices, drug therapies, and surgical techniques on humans before clinical trials are conducted. The use of an in vivo animal model is a key and necessary step in the progression of preclinical research studies that will lead to future medical inventions and innovation. Here, we describe the three phases of effectively designing a preclinical research protocol: the research, preprocedural planning, and experimental phases. Furthermore, we provide researchers with guidance through these phases and discuss important considerations.