In a case of diabetic ketoacidosis, which route of insulin administration is used to treat the patient?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Subcutaneous
• C. Oral
• D. Inhaled

Answer: (A)

In diabetic ketoacidosis the priority is rapid, controlled correction of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis, while safely managing fluid and electrolyte status. Delivering insulin intravenously provides immediate bioavailability, allowing precise titration based on blood glucose and clinical response. This rapid, controllable route is essential because dehydration or shock can impair absorption from other routes, making subcutaneous insulin slower and less reliable in the acute phase. The other routes are not suitable for initial DKA treatment: oral insulin can’t be trusted to reach therapeutic levels with vomiting or poor GI absorption, subcutaneous insulin is too slow and variable in the setting of dehydration, and inhaled insulin isn’t standard for acute management. Once the patient is stabilized, transition to other routes may be appropriate, but the intravenous route remains the best choice for initial treatment.