What age group is most at-risk for hospitalizations due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
People under the age of 45 years old
Short Term Complications
How are DKA and HHS treated?
Treatment is done in a hospital Fluids and electrolytes are given, followed by insulin Do not attempt to self-treat DKA or HHS
People with this type of diabetes are typically more affected by Diabetic Ketoacidosis- or DKA?
People with Type 1 Diabetes
People with this type of diabetes are typically more affected by Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome- HHS?
People with Type 2 diabetes
DKA & HHS are: Life-threatening, Preventable, Both?
Both! DKA and HHS are both life-threatening and preventable. This is another reason why monitoring your blood glucose level is so important.
What does D-K-A stand for?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Very high levels of blood glucose trigger the body to use a back-up energy source. This route produces substances called “ketones” that are toxic in high levels and make the body acidic. Meanwhile, glucose stays trapped in the blood and may continue to climb.
What does H-H-S stand for?
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State Very high levels of blood glucose become toxic to the body. This differs from Diabetic Ketoacidosis in that the body does not produce ketones.
What are the 4 steps that lead to hyperglycemia?
Food is broken down into glucose. Glucose enters the bloodstream from the stomach. Insulin moves glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. If there is not enough insulin, or if the body is not responding to insulin, glucose cannot be used for energy. Instead, it builds up in the blood while the body starves.
Adding new medications into your daily routine can lead to:
drops in blood glucose levels- or hypoglycemia spikes in blood glucose levels- or hyperglycemia
Skipping meals can lead to:
Dangerously low glucose levels- a.k.a hypoglycemia