Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)
HHNS, as described by the American Diabetes Association, is a condition seen most frequently in older diabetics. Though it can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics who are not controlling their diabetes properly, HHNS is more commonly seen in the latter.
What happens? It is usually brought on by illness or infection. The blood sugar rises in uncontrolled diabetes, and the body attempts to remove the excess sugar by filtering it into the urine. Though the body produces a large amount of urine at first, it later produces less and the little urine the body does produce becomes dark. If the body is not kept hydrated, it will lead to dehydration, which in turn leads to seizures, coma, and death. HHNS develops over days or weeks.
What are the symptoms? They include: blood sugar over 600 mg/dl, dry mouth, extreme thirst (though this may subside), warm and dry skin that does not sweat, high fever, sleepiness or confusion, loss of vision, hallucinations, and weakness on one side of the body.
What can be done to prevent it? Because it only occurs when diabetes is uncontrolled, the best prevention is to check blood sugar regularly and to understand what the numbers mean. Eating habits should be adjusted to remain in the target range. If sick, and HHNS occurs most often because of illness, blood sugar should be checked more often.
