Diabetic ketoacidosis mimics acute pancreatitis in all findings except:: (A) Elevated amylase, (B) Elevated lipase, (C) Abdominal pain, (D) Hyperglycemia
Answer is B. Diabetic ketoacidosis is often accompanied by abdominal pain and elevated total serum amylase levels, thus closely mimicking acute pancreatitis. However, the serum lipase level is not elevated in diabetic ketoacidosis. Hyperglycemia is common and is due to multiple factors, including decreased insulin release, increased glucagon release, and an increased output of adrenal glucocoicoids and catecholamines.