Acid-Base Status in Nonketotic Diabetics

Abstract

Measurements of acid-base parameters in arterial blood were performed in patients with different types of well-controlled diabetes. The diabetics showed normal acid-base status in recumbent position after a night's fast. In contrast to the control subjects, the diabetics showed, on change of posture, an enhanced ventilation, leading to a lowering of Pco₂ by 2-3 mm Hg and a rise in pH of 0.02 about 30 min after erect position was assumed. The higher blood pH in diabetics seemed to persist during daytime.

Key Words:

• Acid-base status
• blood Pco₂
• blood pH
• diabetes
• posture