Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can have an atypical presentation during pregnancy. In the case of euglycemic DKA, relatively normal blood glucose levels can hinder a quick diagnosis.
Case description: A 34-year-old DM1 patient, 31 weeks pregnant, was admitted because of reduced fetal movements and nausea. She had reduced the amount of insulin that her insulin pump administered and had a severe euglycemic DKA. The CTG was abnormal and there was a threat of preterm birth. She was treated with insulin, glucose and bicarbonate. A month later the patient underwent an emergency cesarean section because of an abnormal CTG. A daughter was born that weighed 4820 grams, the Apgar score was 5/8/8, and the pH was 7.14. The girl required intravenous glucose for a week.
Conclusion: Euglycemic DKA during pregnancy requires swift recognition and treatment but this remains challenging.