Metabolic effects of bicarbonate in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The effect of intravenous bicarbonate on the changes in intermediary metabolites during the initial treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis was examined in 16 patients. The results were compared with the changes seen in 16 patients receiving intravenous saline. Infusion of 150 mmol (mEq) bicarbonate significantly delayed the fall in blood lactate, lactate:pyruvate ratio, and total ketone bodies observed in the saline treated group. No difference in the rate of fall of blood glucose concentration was found. There is no metabolic indication for the use of intravenous bicarbonate in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.