Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

What Is Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome?

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is a complication of type 2 diabetes.

It involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) levels without the presence of ketones. Ketones are waste products of fat breakdown.

As a result of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, the body tries to rid itself of the excess blood sugar by passing it into one’s urine. Left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Therefore, prompt medical care is integral.

It is less common than the other acute complication of diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

It usually presents in older patients with type 2 DM and carries a higher mortality than DKA, estimated at approximately 10-20%.

It is characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperosmolarity, and dehydration without significant ketoacidosis.

Causes Of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome:

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may be caused by:

• Illness
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Infection
• Not following a diabetes treatment plan or having an inadequate treatment plan
• Certain medications
• that decrease the effect of insulin in the body
• that increase fluid loss

The following factors increase the risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome;

• A stressful event such as:
• Infection
• pneumonia
• urinary tract infection
• virus
• heart attack
• stroke
• recent surgery
• Congestive heart failure
• Impaired thirst
• Limited access to water (especially in patients 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 medications that lower glucose levels
• Taking certain medications.
• corticosteroids
• prednisone
• diuretics
• hydrochlorothiazide
• chlorthalidone
• anti-seizure medication phenytoin
• Dilantin

Symptoms Of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome:

The following symptoms may be exhibited by those suffering from diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome:

• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Dry mouth, dry tongue
• Fever
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination (at the beginning of the syndrome)
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Loss of feeling or function of muscles
• Problems with movement
• Speech impairment

Diagnosis Of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome:

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is diagnosed via:

• A medical history
• Physical exam that may show:
• Extreme dehydration
• Fever higher than 100.4° Fahrenheit
• Increased heart rate
• Low systolic blood pressure
• Tests
• Blood osmolarity (concentration)
• BUN and creatinine levels
• Blood sodium level
• Ketone test
• Blood glucose
• Chest x-rays
• ECG
• Urinalysis
• Blood cultures

Treatment Of Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome;

Prompt treatment is required for diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids to counter dehydration
• Intravenous insulin to lower one’s blood sugar levels
• Intravenous potassium, and occasionally sodium phosphate replacement to help the cells to function correctl

By : Natural Health News