What is Diabetic Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome?
A complication of type 2 diabetes, diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is where there is very high blood glucose levels in the body but there is not any ketones. Ketones are the byproducts of fat breakdown and typically seen when blood sugars get too high.
Who Gets Diabetic Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome?
It is usually seen in type 2 diabetics. It can also occur in those that haven't been diagnosed yet with diabetes or those that haven't been able to control their diabetes. It can be brought on by medications, illness, and infections. Some risk factors are being of older age, having a stressful medical event, impaired thirst, having limited access to water, having poor kidney function, and not having well-maintained diabetes.
What is Hyperosmolarity?
When the blood has a high salt concentration as well as high concentrations of glucose and other items, it is called hyperosmolarity. It causes the organs and brain to have water drawn out. When this occurs, dehydration and increased blood glucose is the effect.
Symptoms
Signs of diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome include weight loss, weakness, lethargy, nausea, increased thirst, increased urination, convulsions, confusion, and coma. Other signs may include speech impairment, loss of feeling, loss of muscle function, and dysfunctional movement.
Diagnosis
During a physical exam, the doctor will look for low systolic blood pressure, high temperature in excess of 100.4 degrees F, increased heart rate, and extreme dehydration. There may be tests done. If the test results come back with very high blood glucose, mild ketone buildup, high serum osmolarity, and a higher than normal BUN, creatinine, and serum sodium, there is generally a diagnosis made. More tests to check for the cause can include a urinalysis, chest x-ray, blood cultures, and an electrocardiogram.
Treatment
The first line of treatment is to deal with the dehydration. When the dehydration improves so will the circulation, blood pressure, and the urine output. IV fluids will be given as well as IV insulin in some cases. The death rate for diabetic hyperglycemia hyperosmolar syndrome is up to 40 percent.
Source: A.D.A.M.
Published by Tina Samuels - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Author of three books, Tina Samuels is also the owner of Turtle Trax Hobbies. She s been a freelance writer for 20 years and a small business owner for three. Two of her three books are slated for a Spring 2... View profile
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