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Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome

HHS; Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma; Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma (NKHHC); Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HONK); Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic state; Diabetes - hyperosmolar

 

Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a complication of type 2 diabetes . It involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) level without the presence of ketones.

Causes

 

HHS is a condition of:

  • Extremely high blood sugar (glucose) level
  • Extreme lack of water ( dehydration )
  • Decreased alertness or consciousness (in many cases)

Buildup of ketones in the body (ketoacidosis) may also occur. But it is unusual and is often mild compared with diabetic ketoacidosis .

HHS is more often seen in people with type 2 diabetes who don't have their diabetes under control. It may also occur in those who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. The condition may be brought on by:

  • Infection
  • Other illness, such as heart attack or stroke
  • Medicines that decrease the effect of insulin in the body
  • Medicines or conditions that increase fluid loss

Normally, the kidneys try to make up for a high glucose level in the blood by allowing the extra glucose to leave the body in the urine. But this also causes the body to lose water. If you do not drink enough water, or you drink fluids that contain sugar and keep eating foods with carbohydrates, the kidneys may become overwhelmed. When this occurs, they are no longer able to get rid of the extra glucose. As a result, the glucose level in your blood can become very high.

The loss of water also makes the blood more concentrated than normal. This is called hyperosmolarity. It is a condition in which the blood has a high concentration of salt (sodium), glucose, and other substances. This draws the water out of the body's other organs, including the brain.

Risk factors include:

  • A stressful event such as infection, heart attack , stroke , or recent surgery
  • Heart failure
  • Impaired thirst
  • Limited access to water (especially in people with dementia or who are bedbound)
  • Older age
  • Poor kidney function
  • Poor management of diabetes, not following the treatment plan as directed
  • Stopping insulin or other medicines that lower glucose level

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Increased thirst and urination (at the beginning of the syndrome)
  • Feeling weak
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Dry mouth, dry tongue
  • Fever
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Coma

Symptoms may get worse over days or weeks.

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

  • Loss of feeling or function of muscles
  • Problems with movement
  • Speech impairment

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. The exam may show that you have:

  • Extreme dehydration
  • Fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Increased heart rate
  • Low systolic blood pressure

Test that may be done include:

  • Blood osmolarity (concentration)
  • BUN and creatinine levels
  • Blood sodium level
  • Ketone test
  • Blood glucose

Evaluation for possible causes may include:

  • Blood cultures
  • Chest x-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Urinalysis

 

Treatment

 

At the start of treatment, the goal is to correct the water loss. This will improve the blood pressure, urine output, and circulation. Blood sugar will also decrease.

Fluids and potassium will be given through a vein ( intravenously ). This must be done carefully. High glucose level is treated with insulin given through a vein.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

People who develop HHS are often already ill. If not treated right away, seizures, coma, or death may result.

 

Possible Complications

 

Untreated, HHS may lead to any of the following:

  • Shock
  • Blood clot formation
  • Brain swelling (cerebral edema)
  • Increased blood acid level ( lactic acidosis )

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

This condition is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop symptoms of HHS.

 

Prevention

 

Controlling type 2 diabetes and recognizing the early signs of dehydration and infection can help prevent HHS.

 

 

Open References

References

Crandall J, Shamoon H. Diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 229.

Graber MN. Diabetes and hyperglycemia. In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 162.

Lebovitz HE. Hyperglycemia secondary to nondiabetic conditions and therapies. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 42.

 
  • Food and insulin release

    Food and insulin release - illustration

    Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased glucose levels in the blood.

    Food and insulin release

    illustration

    • Food and insulin release

      Food and insulin release - illustration

      Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased glucose levels in the blood.

      Food and insulin release

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome

         
           

          Review Date: 2/3/2016

          Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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