There are many complications linked with Type 2 diabetes such as neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), diabetic retinopathy, foot damage and skin conditions.
To add to the list of diabetes complications there is diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, a condition categorized by extremely high blood sugar.
Causes of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome
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Common causes of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome include:
- Illness or infection
- Not adhering to diabetes treatment or receiving inadequate treatment
- Certain medications such as diuretics (water pills)
- Undiagnosed diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome
Symptoms of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome do not occur overnight as the condition can take days or weeks to develop. Symptoms associated with hyperosmolar syndrome include:
- Blood sugar of 600mg/dL or 33.3mmol/L or higher
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Increase frequency of urination
- Warm, dry skin
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Vision loss
- Convulsions.
Treatment and prevention of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome
Emergency treatment for diabetic hypersmolar syndrome includes:
- Intravenous fluid to combat dehydration
- Intravenous insulin to lower blood sugar
- Intravenous potassium, and possibly sodium phosphate to help cells.
To avoid diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome prevention is your best mode of defense. There are a few different tactics and tips that you can follow to prevent diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
7 tips to prevent diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Recognize symptoms associated with high blood pressure
- Always monitor your blood sugar
- When ill, ensure you stay hydrated to prevent dehydration
- Always follow your diabetes plan properly
- Eat well and exercise
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- Get checked for diabetes if undiagnosed.
With preventative measures you can help lower your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
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Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/basics/complications/con-20031902
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hyperosmolar-syndrome/basics/prevention/con-20026142
