A 55-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes presents with fatigue, dry mouth, and increased thirst. His blood glucose level is 550 mg/dL, blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, heart rate is 100 beats/min, and he has deep and rapid breathing. What could be the potential diagnosis, and what are the next steps?
This patient's presentation of hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyuria, and rapid deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations) suggests diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Immediate management should include intravenous fluids, intravenous insulin, and careful monitoring of electrolytes, particularly potassium. The patient's acid-base status should be assessed with arterial blood gas analysis, and urinary ketones should be measured.