Patients usually present with quite short histories (typically a few weeks) of hyperglycaemic symptoms (thirst, polyuria, fatigue and infections) and weight loss, and may have developed ketoacidosis
When generation of ketone bodies exceeds the capacity for their metabolism, ketoacidosis results.
Elevated blood H+ ions drive K+ out of the intracellular compartment,
Secondary hyperaldosteronism encourages urinary loss of K+.