Insulin and sodium bicarbonate treatment in diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Nineteen patients, nine males and ten females had 24 episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Infection was the precipitating factor in the development of ketoacidosis. Recovery of ketoacidosis occurred with 0.7 units of crystalline insulin per kg of body weight. The insulin requirement is less than the generally recommended dose. Hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and alkalosis were not developed in our children. Ketoacidosis was adequately corrected by 2.5 mEq of sodium bicarbonate per kg of body weight.