what are the symptoms of hhns

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HHNS results in high blood glucose levels without the presence of ketones. The symptoms of HHNS may take several days or even weeks to develop. These symptoms include: Blood glucose levels of 600 mg/dl (33.3 mmol/l) or higher As you can see, HHNS can be fatal if left untreated.

What is HHNS and how does it affect your body?

Symptoms of HHS can include extreme thirst, frequent urination, changes in your vision and confusion. HHS is an emergency and you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have these symptoms. What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)? Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus.

What are the symptoms of HHS?

HHNS is sometimes referred to by other names: 1 Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HHNK) 2 Nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome (NKHS) 3 Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome 4 Diabetic HHS 5 Hyperosmolar coma 6 Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

What are the other names for HHNS?

HHNS is a serious medical condition caused by blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. An illness or infection typically triggers it. Often (but not always!) it occurs in people with type 2 diabetes and in those who have been undiagnosed. DKA and HHNS may seem very similar – both cause the blood glucose levels to rise to high numbers.

What is HHNS (high blood sugar syndrome)?

How to tell if you have HHNS?

How to diagnose HHNS?

What is HHNS in diabetes?

How long does it take for HHNS to show?

Why does HHNS happen?

How to prevent HHNS?

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?

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What are the symptoms of HHS?

What are the symptoms of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)?High blood sugar level (over 600 mg/dL).Confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness or passing out.Dry mouth and extreme thirst that may eventually get better.Frequent urination.Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.Blurred vision or loss of vision.More items...•

What is the most common cause of HHNS?

HHNS is typically brought on by: An infection, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. Poor management of blood sugar and/or not taking diabetes medications as prescribed. Taking certain medications, such as glucocorticoids (which alter glucose levels) and diuretics (which increase urine output)

What happens in HHNS?

When HHNS affects a person with diabetes, blood sugar levels rise and the body passes excess sugar into the urine. This causes regular bathroom trips, and over time this affects the colour of the liquid.

What happens if HHNS is not treated?

The imbalance of fluids, glucose, and minerals in the body can lead to severe problems, such as brain swelling, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or organ failure. Without rapid treatment, HHNS can cause death.

Can you have HHS without diabetes?

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.

What is the treatment for HHS?

Treatment. Treatment of HHS requires a four-pronged approach: (1) vigorous intravenous rehydration, (2) electrolyte management, (3) intravenous insulin, and (4) diagnosis and management of precipitating and coexisting problems.

What is the immediate aim of treatment for HHNS?

Patients presenting with HHNS also have significant depletion of potassium and other electrolytes that will need to be replaced. The principal goal at the outset of therapy must be restoration of the intravascular volume to assure adequate perfusion of vital organs.

Which condition is seen in a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome HHS )?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a clinical condition that arises from a complication of diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. It is most commonly seen in patients with obesity.

What is the primary difference between DKA and HHNS?

DKA is characterized by ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia, while HHS usually has more severe hyperglycemia but no ketoacidosis (table 1). Each represents an extreme in the spectrum of hyperglycemia. The precipitating factors, clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of DKA and HHS in adults will be reviewed here.

What is the difference between HHS and HHNS?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is also known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). It involves very high blood sugar levels and can be life threatening. HHNS can happen to anyone, but it's more common in older people who have type 2 diabetes.

What type of insulin is used for HHS?

Insulin aspart (NovoLog)

Is HHS worse than DKA?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is one of two serious metabolic derangements that occur in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is a life-threatening emergency that, although less common than its counterpart, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), has a much higher mortality rate, reaching up to 5-10%.

What is the difference between HHS and HHNS?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is also known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). It involves very high blood sugar levels and can be life threatening. HHNS can happen to anyone, but it's more common in older people who have type 2 diabetes.

What's the difference between DKA and HHNS?

DKA is characterized by ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia, while HHS usually has more severe hyperglycemia but no ketoacidosis (table 1). Each represents an extreme in the spectrum of hyperglycemia. The precipitating factors, clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of DKA and HHS in adults will be reviewed here.

What is the immediate aim of treatment for HHNS?

Patients presenting with HHNS also have significant depletion of potassium and other electrolytes that will need to be replaced. The principal goal at the outset of therapy must be restoration of the intravascular volume to assure adequate perfusion of vital organs.

What's the difference between DKA and HHS?

DKA and HHS are two complications of diabetes that have similar symptoms, causes, and treatments. Both conditions result from high blood glucose levels and require insulin to help treat them. DKA typically affects people living with type 1 diabetes, whereas HHS usually occurs in people living with type 2 diabetes.

HHNS vs. DKA: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Healthline

While you might not always be able to prevent some causes of HHNS or DKA, like an illness or infection, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of these conditions occurring.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome – Diabetes

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS), also known as Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) is a dangerous condition resulting from very high blood glucose levels. HHNS can affect both types of diabetics, yet it usually occurs amongst people with type 2 diabetes Usually, HHNS is brought on by an illness or infection.

hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome lab values

Hi everyone, I have diabetes type 2 for almost 4 years now. I've been doing a little reading on hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome and was wondering what the lab values are for sugar levels, pH levels, ketone levels, serum osmolarity levels, bicarbonate and creatine levels.

Treatment of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS) is a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. This syndrome is characterised by severe hyperglycaemia, a marked increase in serum osmolality, and clinical evidence of dehydration without significant accumulation of ketoa …

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a clinical condition that arises from a complication of diabetes mellitus. This problem is most commonly seen in type 2 diabetes. Won Frerichs and Dreschfeld first described the disorder around 1880. They described patients with diabetes mellitus with profound hyperglycemia and glycosuria without the classic Kussmaul breathing or acetone in the ...

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome - Cleveland Clinic

Overview What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)? Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus.HHS occurs when a person’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high for a long period, leading to severe dehydration (extreme thirst) and confusion.

What is HHNS in medical terms?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is also known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). It involves very high blood sugar levels and can be life threatening.

What to do if you have HHNS?

If you start to have symptoms of HHNS or DKA, call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately. These are serious medical events that can lead to life threatening complications if left untreated.

What happens if your blood sugar is too high?

If your blood sugar gets too high, your kidneys try to excrete excess sugar through urination. When this happens, it’s known as hyperglycemia.

How many steps are there for HHNS?

A medical professional can typically treat HHNS using four steps:

What to do if you have symptoms of either condition?

If you have symptoms of either condition, seek emergency care immediately.

Is DKA the same as HHNS?

Your treatment for DKA is similar to that of HHNS. The medical professional will:

Can you prevent HHNS?

While you might not always be able to prevent some causes of HHNS or DKA, like an illness or infection, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of these conditions occurring. These include:

What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome

The hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are extremely high. High glucose causes the blood to become hyperosmolar, meaning it has a higher than normal amount of solutes such as sodium and glucose.

Diabetes and HHNS

HHNS can affect both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, although it is most common among persons with type 2 diabetes. HHNS is generally by an illness or infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome can vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms may include but are not in the limit to:

When to Seek a Doctor

If hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome symptoms last for more than 48 hours, you should immediately contact your doctor. This is because the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome can be a sign of diabetes and if left untreated, this could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or even coma which needs immediate medical attention.

Causes of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome

In some cases, the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome may be in connection to a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Diagnosis of the Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome

HMSN is identified by examining symptoms and measuring blood sugar levels, which can be done via a finger prick.

Side Effects of Treatment

The IV electrolytes or fluids used to deal with dehydration do not cause any problems. Insulin-induced side effects include:

How to tell if you have HHNS?

Symptoms of HHNS include an altered level of consciousness or confusion like Joe had. Early warning signs of HHNS also include frequent urination, which can worsen this condition by further dehydrating a person. They may have a dry mouth, extreme thirst, may feel warm but aren't sweating, and they may have a fever from the severe dehydration. If treatment is not given quickly, the condition can progress to coma, organ failure or even death.

Why do I get HHNS?

HHNS is most common in people with Type II DM. It can be caused by infection or illness, which makes the body more insulin resistant. Strokes or heart attacks can also trigger HHNS. It can also be caused by dehydration. Those with Type II DM who are ill, elderly, or are taking other medications can easily become dehydrated and then develop HHNS. If a person with Type II diabetes does not monitor their blood glucose levels or take their insulin as needed are likely to develop HHNS. All of these factors lead to increased blood glucose levels.

What Is Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome?

She had never heard of this nor could she even remember the name of it. The doctor explained that it is a serious and life-threatening complication of diabetes. He commended her for bringing him to the hospital as quickly as she did.

How to treat HHNS?

Treatment. The treatment for HHNS depends on the cause and how well you respond to treatment. The goal of treatment is to return your blood sugar to a normal level and keep it in a normal range. Treatment may include: You will have a small tube (IV catheter) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm.

What is HHNS in kidneys?

HHNS is an emergency caused by very high blood sugar, often over 600 mg/dL. Your kidneys try to get rid of the extra blood sugar by putting more sugar into the urine. This makes you urinate more and you lose too much body fluid, causing dehydration.

What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome?

Your blood carries the glucose to the cells of your body. An organ in your upper belly, called the pancreas, makes and releases a hormone called insulin when it detects glucose. Your body uses insulin to help move the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. When your body does not make insulin (type 1 diabetes), or has trouble using insulin (type 2 diabetes), glucose cannot get into your cells. The glucose level in your blood goes up. Too much glucose in your blood (also called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar) can cause many problems.

What can I expect in the hospital?

You will need to stay in the hospital in order to bring your blood sugar level under control and treat the cause of the HHNS. Several things may be done while you are in the hospital to monitor, test, and treat your condition. They include:

How long do you stay in the hospital with HHNS?

A healthy person with no medical problems other than diabetes and no HHNS complications may stay in the hospital 3 to 5 days. You may be in an intensive care unit at the hospital for at least the first day or two. A person with other medical problems or HHNS complications may need to stay in the hospital much longer.

What are the symptoms of hallucinations?

Hallucinations, which may be visual or involve other senses, such as hearing, touching, tasting or seeing something that is not really there. Fast or irregular heartbeat. Change in vision, such as double vision, blurred vision, or trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

Can HHNS cause death?

The imbalance of fluids, glucose, and minerals in the body can lead to severe problems, such as brain swelling, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or organ failure. Without rapid treatment, HHNS can cause death.

How long does it take for HHNS to show?

The symptoms of HHNS may take several days or even weeks to develop. These symptoms include: Blood glucose levels of 600 mg/dl (33.3 mmol/l) or higher. Excessive thirst, accompanied by a dry mouth and increased urination. Warm, dry skin. Fever. Drowsiness. Confusion.

What is the treatment for HHNS?

Immediate treatment of HHNS will involve intravenous fluids to replace fluids that have been lost and to counter dehydration, intravenous potassium and sodium phosphate, as it is likely that your electrolytes are out of balance – this will ensure that your cells are functioning properly – and intravenous insulin to reduce your blood glucose levels.

What Is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome?

HHNS is a serious medical condition caused by blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. An illness or infection typically triggers it. Often (but not always!) it occurs in people with type 2 diabetes and in those who have been undiagnosed.

What is the difference between HHNS and DKA?

Although there are differences in labs, which is beyond the scope of this article, the primary difference between HHNS and DKA is the presence of ketones – DKA causes the body to break down fat for energy as there is a lack of insulin. This causes there to be a presence of ketones. HHNS results in high blood glucose levels without the presence ...

How to avoid HHNS?

How can you avoid HHNS? The easiest way to avoid HHNS is to control your blood glucose levels. It typically occurs when blood glucose levels are uncontrolled. The easiest way to do this, regardless of how your diabetes is controlled (medications or insulin), is to check your blood glucose levels routinely.

Can HHNS be fatal?

As you can see, HHNS can be fatal if left untreated.

Is sweaty and irritable hypoglycemic?

Sweaty and Irritable? You Could be Hypoglycemic

What is HHNS in medical terms?

A.K.A: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) Definition of HHNS: a life-threatening condition of a hyperglycemic state that affects patients with diabetes mellitus. It presents with an extreme high blood glucose which causes the blood to become very concentrated “hyperosmolar” but without the breakdown of KETONES (fats)

What is HHNS in nursing?

NCLEX review on Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) for nursing lecture exams and the NCLEX exam. HHNS is a life-threatening condition of diabetes mellitus.

Why is there no ketosis in HHNS?

Important take-aways: NO KETOSIS or ACIDOSIS in HHNS because there is just enough insulin present that prevents the body from breaking down fats for energy; therefore there is no build-up of ketones.

Does hydration help with HHNS?

However, HYDRATION will helps just as well as insulin due to the severe hydration experienced in HHNS. The fluids will help hydrate the cell which will decrease glucose levels and help with electrolyte balance.

What are the clinical features of HHNS?

The clinical features of HHNS include severe dehydration, hyperglycemia, and altered mental status. These symptoms can be caused by excessive release of ADH leading to inappropriate retention of water in the kidney tubules. This results in a reduced effective circulating volume, the increased osmolality of the blood and extracellular fluid (ECF), and decreased blood flow to the brain. It can also cause volume depletion in other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract.

How to diagnose HHNS?

To confirm a diagnosis of HHNS, clinicians look for at least one of two diagnoses: exaggerated increase in ADH concentration or an inability to excrete free water.

What is Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)?

HHNS, also known as a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), is a rare but serious complication of diabetes mellitus. HHS can cause life-threatening dehydration, electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, and coma.

What is HHNS in medical terms?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is a life-threatening medical emergency when the body cannot produce or use insulin. The condition can be caused by cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, and other chronic conditions.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome?

The hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome symptoms include frequent or deep, rapid breathing, lethargy, and confusion, changes in the level of consciousness (LOC), seizures, and coma. Patients with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome are often found to have serum glucose greater than 600mg/dL. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that a combination of dehydration and hyperglycemia causes osmotic diuresis resulting in symptoms.

When should HHNS be observed?

A person with HHNS should be observed until their serum glucose level returns to normal. Evaluating fluid and electrolyte imbalances is also necessary to ensure that clients do not experience further complications.

Why is hypertonic glucose infusion controversial?

The use of a hypertonic glucose infusion is controversial because it may increase brain edema. Still, its use should be considered if there are any signs or symptoms of increased cerebral edema.

How long does it take for HHS to show symptoms?

Symptoms of HHS usually come on slowly, and can take days or weeks to develop. Symptoms include:

What to do if you have symptoms of HHS?

If you have symptoms of HHS, you should drink plenty of water and call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately . You will receive an IV with fluids and insulin to relieve your symptoms.

What is the term for a person who has high blood sugar?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome ( HHS) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. HHS occurs when a person’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high for a long period, leading to severe dehydration (extreme thirst) and confusion.

What is the name of the condition where blood sugar levels are high for a long period of time?

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 happens when blood sugar is too high?

HHS occurs when the blood sugar of a person with diabetes becomes too high (hyperglycemia) for a long time. The extra sugar is passed into the urine, which causes the person to urinate frequently. As a result, he or she loses a lot of fluid, which can lead to severe dehydration (extreme thirst).

How to reduce risk of HHS?

You can reduce your risk of developing HHS again by controlling your diabetes and managing your diet and lifestyle.

How many people die from HHS?

The outlook for patients who have HHS largely depends on the person’s age, general health and how severe the disease is. Up to 20% of people who have HHS die from the condition. If you’ve had HHS, you will need to work closely with your doctor once you are home from the hospital.

How to tell if you have HHNS?

The symptoms of HHNS may appear slowly, taking days or even weeks to fully develop. Common symptoms include: 2 1 Blood glucose levels over 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) 2 Frequent urination 3 Extreme thirst 4 Dry mouth 5 Confusion or sleepiness 6 Skin that is warm and dry without sweating 7 Fever (usually over 101 F) 8 Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body 9 Loss of vision 10 Hallucinations

How to diagnose HHNS?

HHNS is diagnosed based on symptoms and by measuring blood glucose levels, which can be performed with a finger stick. A blood glucose level of 600 mg/dL and low ketone levels are the main factors for diagnosis of HHNS. Serum osmolality, a test that measures the body's water/electrolyte balance , also is used to diagnose HHNS.

What is HHNS in diabetes?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is a potentially deadly condition that can develop as a result of infection or illness in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes or when diabetes medications aren't taken as directed. Some also refer to this as a "diabetic coma.".

How long does it take for HHNS to show?

The symptoms of HHNS may appear slowly, taking days or even weeks to fully develop. Common symptoms include: 2

Why does HHNS happen?

This dehydration occurs because elevated levels of glucose cause blood to become thicker and result in the body needing to produce more urine in order to lower them. 3 .

How to prevent HHNS?

The best way to prevent HHNS is by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Test them regularly using a glucometer, work with your doctor to make sure you're taking any diabetes medications as prescribed, and learn the warning signs of elevated glucose levels and dehydration, such as extreme thirst and frequent urination, so you know to seek treatment when you need it. Educate your loved ones and coworkers to also recognize the early signs of blood sugar imbalance, so they can send for help, too.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?

Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Loss of vision. Hallucinations. If you have symptoms of extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and blurry vision, it's important that you seek medical care immediately, as you could be experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia, which may be life-threatening.