Diabetes is a serious condition. While many complications of diabetes can be prevented with proper diet and glucose control, there are times when the disease can get worse despite following the proper measures. Those with diabetes are at risk for other complications such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke. Also, when blood sugar gets extremely, diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (or HHS) can occur.
HHS is caused by the kidneys trying to rid of the body of excess glucose by triggering excess urination. However, if the person does not get enough water, the kidneys will have no way to get rid of the glucose and the glucose will quickly build up causing an extremely high blood sugar.
This condition mostly occurs in those with Type 2 Diabetes and is marked by a coma, convulsions, weakness, nausea, and increased urination. When this occurs, the person must be taken to a hospital immediately. The medical personnel will treat this by giving fluids, potassium, and insulin to the patient in order to get the blood sugar down. Those who get HHS usually are already very sick and have other underlying factors. Because of this, the death rate with HHS is 40%. It is important for those with diabetes to drink plenty of water and follow the proper regimen to prevent HHS. |