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Hypertonic vs Hyperosmotic - What's the difference? is that hypertonic is (of a solution) having a greater osmotic pressure than another while hyperosmotic is hypertonic.
Is hyperosmolar and hypertonic the same thing?
Your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome might be higher if you:
- Have type 2 diabetes. ...
- Are older than age 65.
- Have another chronic health condition, such as heart disease or kidney disease.
- Have an infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or a virus, which causes blood sugar levels to rise.
- Take certain medications. ...
What is DM with hyperosmolarity?
The hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is a syndrome characterized by severe hyperglycemia, hyperosmolality, and dehydration in the absence of ketoacidosis. The exact incidence of HHS is not known, but it is estimated to account for <1% of hospital admissions in patients with diabetes ( 1 ).
What is HHS diagnosis?
pathogenesis of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
- HHS is often triggered by an acute stressor, which increases levels of cortisol and catecholamines (thereby reducing insulin sensitivity).
- HHS occurs in patients with enough insulin to prevent ketoacidosis, but not enough insulin to control hyperglycemia. ...
- Uncontrolled hyperglycemia causes an osmotic diuresis, with loss of water.
How to diagnose HHS?

Do you treat HHS with insulin?
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.
How do you treat honk?
Treatment for HONK Treatment for hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma will include fluids being given to the patient and insulin administered intravenously.
Do you give insulin for HHNS?
Following recovery many patients presenting with HHNS will not require long term insulin therapy and can be managed effectively with diet or oral agents. Precipitating causes of HHNS must be identified and treated simultaneously with correction of the metabolic abnormalities.
What type of insulin is given for HHS?
Insulin glulisine (Apidra)
Why do we use normal saline in HHS?
When the blood glucose concentration, initially checked hourly, reaches 250 mg/dL, change the infusion to 5% dextrose in 0.45-0.7% normal saline. This helps to prevent a precipitous fall in glucose, which may be associated with cerebral edema.
What is the difference between DKA and honk?
The key distinction between DKA and HONK seems to be the fact that in HONk, there is still enough insulin to overcome the ketogenic effects of glucagon. Glucagon inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which normally converts acetyl-CoA into malonyl-CoA.
How is HHS and DKA treated?
Early diagnosis and management is paramount to improve patient outcomes. The mainstays of treatment in both DKA and HHS are aggressive rehydration, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and discovery and treatment of underlying precipitating events.
How do you manage acute hyperglycemia?
TreatmentGet physical. Regular exercise is often an effective way to control your blood sugar. ... Take your medication as directed. ... Follow your diabetes eating plan. ... Check your blood sugar. ... Adjust your insulin doses to control hyperglycemia.
What is the difference between DKA and HHNS?
DKA typically evolves within a few hours, whereas HHNS is much slower and occurs over days to weeks, according to 2021 research . The two conditions look similar because of the hyperglycemia component of each condition. Knowing the symptoms of each can help you seek medical care as soon as possible.
What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for in a client diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state HHS )?
Electrolyte shifts are common during correction of hyperosmolar and hyperglycemic states. Monitor electrolyte levels at least every 4 hours, or every 2 hours if needed. Monitor serum sodium and potassium levels closely. If needed, use isotonic and hypotonic saline solutions to adjust the patient's sodium level.
Why is there no ketones in HHS?
Ketones develop when the blood glucose level is high due to lack of insulin which is needed to allow glucose to enter the cells for energy. Because people with Type 2 diabetes may still be producing some insulin, ketones may not be created.
What would one expected assessment finding for hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome?
Your doctor will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and order a blood test to check your blood sugar level. A very high blood sugar level (over 600 mg/dL) with low ketone levels (acids in blood and urine) will help the doctor make a diagnosis of HHS.
What is diabetes hyperosmolar syndrome?
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is a medical emergency that you won't have time to prepare for. If you have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst and excessive urination, for a few days, check your blood sugar level and call your doctor for advice.
What to do if you have high blood sugar?
If you feel the symptoms of extreme high blood sugar, call 911 or your local emergency number. Don't try to drive yourself to the hospital. If you're with someone who has diabetes and is acting confused, has one-sided weakness or has passed out, call for medical help right away.
What drugs are associated with osmotic diuresis?
Patients receiving certain drugs including diuretics, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, phenytoin, and diazoxide are at increased risk of developing this syndrome. Patients usually present with a prolonged phase of osmotic diuresis leading to severe depletion of both the intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes.
What is HHNS in medical terms?
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 ….
Is HHNS a complication of diabetes?
HHNS is typically observed in elderly patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, although it may rarely be a complication in younger patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, or those without diabetes following severe burns, parenteral hyperalimentation, peritoneal dialysis, or haemodialysis.
What is HHS treatment?
Untreated HHS can lead to life threatening complications, including: dehydration. shock. coma. HHS is a medical emergency.
Why do older people with type 2 diabetes have high HHS?
Older people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop HHS. Some factors that can contribute to HHS are: extremely high blood sugar levels due to unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes. an infection. medications that lower glucose tolerance or contribute to fluid loss.
What is HHS in medical terms?
Outlook. Prevention. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a potentially life threatening condition involving extremely high blood sugar (glucose) levels. When your blood sugar gets too high, the kidneys try to compensate by removing some of the excess glucose through urination. If you don’t drink enough fluids to replace ...
Why is HHS a result of diabetes?
Blood that’s too concentrated begins to draw water out of other organs, including the brain. Any illness that makes you dehydrated or reduces your insulin activity can lead to HHS. It’s commonly a result of unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes. An illness or infection can trigger HHS.
Can you have HHS if you have diabetes?
If you have HHS but haven’t already received a diabetes diagnosis, your doctor may perform a urinalysis to see if you have diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, HHS can occur in people who haven’t already received a diabetes diagnosis.
