From clinical data to better outcomes: analysing paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis and pathways to sustainable management, Siska Lubis, Shofiyya Imtiyaz, Allam Ahmed
Siska Mayasari Lubis
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine,
Universitas Sumatera Utara/Adam Malik Hospital
Medan
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0002-5671-7946
Shofiyya Imtiyaz
Faculty of Medicine
Universitas Indonesia
Jakarta
Indonesia
ORCID: 0009-0009-4118-9042
Allam Ahmed
London Institute of Sustainable Development (LISD)
London
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0002-1494-354X
Type of Paper: Research
Received: 27 May 20265 / Revised: 1 July 2026 / Accepted: 9 July 2026 / Published: 15 July 2026
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2026.24.1
Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and key biomarkers associated with paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Indonesia and propose evidence-based pathways towards sustainable care.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Medan, Indonesia. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the medical records of all paediatric patients (aged 1–18 years) diagnosed with DKA over a 5-year period. Clinical data collection included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation (symptoms, vital signs), and laboratory investigations (blood gas analysis, blood glucose, serum electrolytes, and C-peptide levels). Severity classification was based on pH and bicarbonate levels. The analytical approach included descriptive characterisation of clinical patterns and statistical analysis of biomarker associations with DKA severity categories.
Findings: Our findings indicate that delayed presentation, as well as the underutilisation of point-of-care and early diabetes testing, contributes to more severe metabolic derangements at admission.
Originality/Value: We propose an integrative framework that emphasises capacity building in rural health facilities, implementation of standardised management protocols, and community-based education. These interventions are expected to reduce DKA incidence, improve clinical outcomes, and support sustainable paediatric diabetes care within Indonesia’s diverse healthcare landscape.
Keywords: Children; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Biomarkers; Diabetes Testing.
Citation: Lubis, S. M., Imtiyaz, S. and Ahmed, A (2026): From Clinical Data to Better Outcomes: Analysing Paediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Pathways to Sustainable Management. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2026, Vol. 22, pp.xx-xx. WASD: London, United Kingdom.