1. What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) ?

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State is a life-threatening condition that can happen in people with type 2 diabetes when their blood sugar level gets very high. Sometimes this condition is called "hyperosmolar nonketotic coma."
Doctors use the word "hyperosmolar" when the blood has too much sugar and salts in it. The word "nonketotic" means that people do not have any "ketones" in their blood or urine. Ketones are toxic chemicals the body sometimes makes when people with diabetes (usually type 1 diabetes) have high blood sugar levels. (There is a different condition in which people with high blood sugar do have ketones in their blood.)
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State is most common in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Most often, it happens after a person with diabetes:
● Gets an infection or other illness
● Stops taking his or her diabetes medicine, or doesn't take the medicine as directed
● Takes other medicines that affect his or her sugar levels
● Gets dehydrated, which is when the body loses too much water
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State can also happen in people who have type 2 diabetes, but don't yet know it.

2. What are the symptoms of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)?

HHS causes a person to pass out (lose consciousness) and go into a coma. But before that happens, people usually have symptoms for a few days that include:
● Urinating much more than usual
● Being very thirsty, and drinking much more than usual
● Losing weight
● Having dark yellow or brown urine

3. Is there a test for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)?

Yes. Tests for HHS usually include:
● Blood tests
● Urine tests
● An electrocardiogram (ECG ) – This test measures the electrical activity in the heart.
● Other tests to look for an infection or illness causing the Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State – These might include other blood tests or a chest X-ray.

4. How is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State treated?

People with Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State are treated in the hospital with:
● Fluids and electrolytes – In Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, the body loses a lot of fluids. It also loses electrolytes, which are salts (such as sodium and potassium) that keep cells working normally. People will get fluids and electrolytes into their vein through a tube called an "IV."
● Insulin – Insulin is a medicine that lowers a person's blood sugar level. The insulin is also usually given into a vein through an IV.
The doctor will also treat any infection or illness causing the Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State.

5. Can Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State be prevented?

To reduce the chances of getting this condition again, people with diabetes should:
● Take their diabetes medicines as directed
● Check their blood sugar level often – A device called a "blood glucose meter" can be used to check blood sugar levels at home.
● Learn how to change their dose of diabetes medicine when they get sick