Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can take days or weeks to develop. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Blood sugar level of 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or higher
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Warm, dry skin
- Fever
- Drowsiness, confusion
- Hallucinations
- Vision loss
- Convulsions
- Coma
When to see a doctor?
Consult your doctor if your blood sugar is persistently higher than the target range your doctor recommends, or if you have signs or symptoms of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Warm, dry skin
- Dry mouth
- Fever
Seek emergency care if:
Your blood sugar level is 400 mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L) or higher and doesn`t improve despite following your doctor`s instructions for treatment. Don`t wait until your blood sugar is high enough to cause diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. You have confusion, vision changes or other signs of dehydration.
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may be triggered by:
- Illness or infection
- Not following a diabetes treatment plan or having an inadequate treatment plan
- Certain medications, such as water pills (diuretics)
Sometimes undiagnosed diabetes results in diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
Your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome might be higher if you:
- Have type 2 diabetes - If you don`t monitor your blood sugar or you don`t yet know you have type 2 diabetes, your risk is higher.
- Are older than age 65 - Have another chronic health condition, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease. Have an infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or a virus, which causes your blood sugar levels to rise.
- Take certain medications - Some drugs — such as corticosteroids (prednisone), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone) and the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin).
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can lead to:
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coma
Without prompt treatment, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can be fatal.
