What is a common cause of hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia, characterized by low potassium levels in the bloodstream, can often be influenced by the movement of potassium into the cells. Increased entry of potassium into the cell can occur due to several physiological processes, such as insulin administration or metabolic alkalosis, where potassium shifts from the extracellular space into the intracellular space, resulting in decreased serum potassium levels. This mechanism is critical for understanding why conditions that accelerate this intracellular shift, such as the administration of certain medications (like beta-agonists) or an increase in insulin, can lead to hypokalemia.

In contrast, excessive potassium intake does not lead to hypokalemia; it typically would result in hyperkalemia. Low aldosterone levels generally result in hyperkalemia as well, while dehydration primarily leads to a concentration of potassium but does not inherently cause low levels unless significant renal losses occur.