The patient with type I diabetes mellitus who falls ill is at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis. The resulting osmotic diuresis and acidosis result in hypokalemia which can lead to fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. DKA can also lead to hyponatremia which can cause cerebral edema if untreated for an extended period of time. It is important to monitor the sodium level, but it is less deadly than hypokalemia. Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause alterations in several other electrolyte levels, including calcium, but it is less of a concern than hypokalemia. The patient will likely have elevated white blood cell count related to the influenza A, however, it is not considered to be a life-threatening complication.