How can you tell the difference between DKA and HHS?

The resolution of DKA is reached when the blood glucose is < 200 mg/dl, serum bicarbonate is ≥15 mEq/L, pH is >7.30 and anion gap is ≤12 mEq/L (17). HHS is resolved when serum osmolality is < 320 mOsm/kg with a gradual recovery to mental alertness.

What is the difference between hyperglycemia and DKA?

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetes-related ketoacidosis both happen when your body doesn’t have enough insulin or isn’t using the insulin it has properly. The difference is that DKA is an acute complication, meaning it has a severe and sudden onset.

How can you tell the difference between DKA and hypoglycemia?

Hyperglycemia can become an emergency if you begin to develop symptoms of DKA: shortness of breath, fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, confusion, or you lose consciousness. Likewise, hypoglycemia requires emergency care if you begin to experience confusion, a loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Which symptom is associated with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome?

A serious complication of diabetes mellitus, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) happens when blood sugar levels are very high for a long period of time. Symptoms of HHS can include extreme thirst, frequent urination, changes in your vision and confusion.

What causes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?

Overview. Diabetic hyperosmolar (hi-pur-oz-MOE-lur) syndrome is a serious condition caused by extremely high blood sugar levels. The condition most commonly occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s often triggered by illness or infection.

What is the difference between the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of blood glucose (lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter). Hyperglycemia is abnormally high levels of blood glucose (fasting plasma glucose ≥126 milligrams per deciliter on two separate tests). Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.

Why is glucose higher in HHS than DKA?

In addition, DKA patients tend to be younger than HHS patients, and thereby have a higher glomerular filtration rate. Accordingly, DKA patients have a greater ability to excrete glucose in urine and can thereby limit the hyperglycemia.

What is HHS and DKA?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the two most serious metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). These disorders can occur in both type 1 and type 2 DM. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketone body formation and metabolic acidosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of HHS?

Possible signs and symptoms include:

  • Blood sugar level of 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or higher.
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Increased urination.
  • Warm, dry skin.
  • Fever.
  • Drowsiness, confusion.
  • Hallucinations.

Why do blood glucose levels increase in DKA?

Why do blood glucose levels increase in DKA? Our bodies need insulin to use the available glucose in the blood. In DKA, glucose can’t get into the cells, so it builds up, resulting in high blood sugar levels. In response, the body starts breaking down fat into a useable fuel that doesn’t require insulin.

What happens If DKA is not treated?

One of the ketone bodies formed (acetone) leaves the body via the lungs, giving the breath of the person with DKA a characteristic, fruity smell. This is how DKA can be detected. DKA can induce coma or even death if not treated immediately. Signs & symptoms of DKA:

How dangerous is ketoacidosis?

The simple answer is no. Ketosis is not dangerous, it’s ketoacidosis that is dangerous but you’ve nothing to worry about. The confusion between the two is usually the reason people make false statements about the dangers of keto.

How to determine DKA?

Cerebral oedema is the key life-threatening complication of DKA

  • When managing DKA,hypoglycaemia and hypo/hyperkalaemia are the other main complications which must be monitored for and treated
  • Children with DKA are deplete in total body potassium regardless of the initial serum potassium level