Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic state (HHS)

Question 1

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Answer 1

In type 1 diabetes and is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of insulin for cells.

Question 2

What causes DKA?

Answer 2

1. A stressor- it increases the demand for glucose.
2. If a patient does not take insulin- No insulin can cause glucose levels to rise, causing the glucose transporters to loose their function. This therefore means cells cannot get energy.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of DKA?

Answer 3

Ketonemia
Hypoglycaemia polyuria
Metabolic Acidosis 
Osmotic diuresis 
Stroke
Polyuria
Polydipsia

Question 4

What is hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS)?

Answer 4

In type 2 diabetic patients who are old.
HHS is a complication of type 2 diabetes. It involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) level without the presence of ketones.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HHS?

Answer 5

Urinary loss
Change in mental state
Cardiovascular instability (unstable heart rate).