Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome

Diabetes is a dreadful disease which should never be taken lightly. Learning how to manage your blood sugar at all times is the key to avoiding so many of the complications of this disease. One of the most life-threatening complications of Diabetes is Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome. If you or someone you love is diabetic, you need to be aware of the risks and symptoms of this complication of diabetes

Cold and Flu in Diabetics
When most of us catch a cold or come down with the flu, we usually take a day or two off work, drink plenty of fluids and take analgesics for the body aches and fever. In a few days, most of us bounce back to a near normal state. All of these are good steps to take when we are sick, especially for those who are diabetics. However, many times, diabetics don't bounce back as quickly and can progress from a cold or flu into pneumonia. If you are diabetic and become sick, please be cautious. Your blood sugar levels can rise suddenly, causing excessive thirst with frequent urination. These could be the early warning symptoms of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome. This syndrome occurs whenever blood sugar levels reach 600 mg/dL or above.

Who is at Risk?
Any diabetic who poorly manages his disease is a candidate for this syndrome. Also any diabetic who becomes ill, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels is a likely candidate. Therefore, it is important to monitor your numbers closely whenever you become ill.

Symptoms of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
This condition occurs only when blood sugar levels reach very high numbers, usually 600 mg/dL or higher. According to information provided by The Mayo Clinic, this high blood sugar level causes the blood to become thick and syrupy. The body attempts to rid itself of this excess sugar by urinating more frequently, which can, in turn, lead to dehydration. The excessive urination results in a dry mouth, extreme thirst, fever and warm, dry skin. If not treated promptly at this point, the patient will become sleepy and confused, sometimes resulting in hallucinations. There can also be vision loss and weakness on one side of the body, followed by convulsions and coma.

Other Causes of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
Besides failure to properly monitor blood sugar on a regular basis, or illnesses such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, you should also be aware that certain medications such as, diuretics (water pills), corticosteroids (prednisone) and the anti-seizure medication, Dilantin, can also play a role in this disorder. If you take any of these medications, please monitor you blood sugar levels often and contact your doctor immediately if any of the symptoms of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome should appear. Without proper treatment, this disorder can be fatal.

Source:

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-hyperosmolar-syndrome/DS00664