Syndrome of Diabetic

Syndrome of Diabetic

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may take days or even weeks to develop.  Pay attention to possible signs and symptoms, which include:

·         High blood sugar level

·         Excessive thirst

·         Dry mouth

·         Increased urination

·         Warm, dry skin with no sweating

·         Fever

·         Sleepiness

·         Confusion

·         Hallucinations

·         Vision loss

·         Weakness on one side of the body

·         Convulsions

·         Coma

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if your blood sugar is persistently higher than the target range your doctor has recommended, or if you experience any signs or symptoms of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, such as:

1.    Excessive thirst

2.    Increased urination

3.    Warm, dry skin without sweating

4.    Dry mouth

5.    Fever

Seek emergency care if:

Your blood sugar level is 600 milligrams per decileter (mg/dL), or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or higher

You experience confusion, vision changes or weakness on one side of the body

Causes

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may be triggered by:

·         Illness

·         An underlying infection, such as pneumonia, dental or a urinary tract infection

·         Not following your diabetes treatment plan

·         Certain medications, such as water pills (diuretics)

Sometimes undiagnosed diabetes results in diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

Risk factors

Certain factors raise your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, such as:

Having type 2 diabetes. Although people with type 1 diabetes can be affected, hyperosmolar syndrome is much more common in people with type 2 diabetes.  If you have type 2 diabetes, and you don't monitor your blood sugar or you don't yet know you have type 2 diabetes, you have an even

higher risk.

 Being middle-aged or older. If you're in these age groups, you're more likely to develop diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

 Having another chronic health condition. Your risk of hyperosmolar syndrome is increased if you have another chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.

    Having an infection. Having an illness, such as pneumonia or a virus, causes your blood sugar levels to rise and can increase your risk of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

    Taking certain medications. Some drugs — such as corticosteroids (prednisone), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone) and the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) — can increase your risk of developing hyperosmolar syndrome.

Complications

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can lead to:

    >>> Convulsions

   >>>  Heart attack

    >>> Stroke

    >>> Coma

Without prompt treatment, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can be fatal.

Tests and diagnosis

If you experience diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, prompt diagnosis is critical. The emergency medical team will do a physical exam and may ask those who are with you about your medical history.

Lab tests

You may need various lab tests to measure:

    Your current blood sugar level

    Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) — a blood test that indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months

    Whether or not ketones are present in your urine — ketones are byproducts made when fat is used as fuel instead of glucose

    Your kidney function, by testing the amount of blood urea nitrogen or creatinine in your blood

    The amount of potassium, phosphate and sodium in your blood

You'll be diagnosed with diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome if your blood sugar level is 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L) or higher.

Treatments and drugs

Emergency treatment can correct diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome within hours. Treatment typically includes:

    >> Intravenous fluids

   >>  Insulin to lower your blood sugar levels

  >>   Possibly, potassium, sodium or phosphate replacement to help your cells function correctly

If you have an infection, or an underlying health condition, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease, these conditions will be treated as well.

Prevention

Good day-to-day control of your diabetes can help you prevent diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. Keep these tips in mind:

Know the symptoms of high blood sugar. Be alert for the warning symptoms of high blood sugar, as well as the situations that put you at risk of developing hyperosmolar syndrome, such as illness.

    Follow your meal plan. Consistent snacks and meals can help keep your blood sugar level steady.

    Keep an eye on your blood sugar level. Blood sugar monitoring can tell you whether you're keeping your blood sugar level in your target range — and alert you to dangerous highs, especially if you have an infection. Ask your doctor how often you should test your blood sugar.

    Take your medication as directed. If you have frequent episodes of high blood sugar, let your doctor know. He or she may need to adjust the dosage or timing of your medication.

    Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help keep your blood sugar levels from going too high. Talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise plan, but for most people, experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week — about 30 minutes a day.

    Educate your loved ones, friends and co-workers. Teach loved ones and other close contacts how to recognize early signs and symptoms of blood sugar extremes — and how to summon emergency help should you pass out.

    Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. If you're unconscious, the ID can provide valuable information to your loved ones, co-workers and others — including emergency personnel.

    Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Be sure to get an annual flu shot, and ask your doctor if you need the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against some forms of pneumonia.