How fast
Within 1–2 hours
Add to your jobs list; go now if a red flag applies.
Go now if
- Ketones 3 mmol/L or more
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, deep breathing
- Confused or drowsy
Ask on the phone
- Value and trend; type 1 or 2?
- Ketones? Eating? Steroids? Missed insulin?
Every bleep: the basics
- Name, ward, bed, age, why they're in hospital.
- Full set of obs and the NEWS2 score — and what it was before.
- Resuscitation status (DNACPR / ReSPECT) and ceiling of care.
Ask the nurse to start
- Check blood ketones.
- Give due insulin — don't omit long-acting insulin in type 1.
Call your senior if
- DKA or HHS.
When you get there
For healthcare professionals, as an aid to clinical judgement — not a substitute for it. Follow your local policy and ask a senior when in doubt.