How uncontrolled diabetes can cause kidney failure and stroke

Are you a diabetic? Here's what high blood sugar levels can do to your kidney, heart and brain.

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: June 13, 2015 3:11 pm

Tags: Complications of diabetes Diabetes complications

Diabetes is a complex, progressive disease that can lead to long-term complications if the sugar levels are not kept under control. As a diabetic, you may be aware about medicines, devices and remedies that can help you to control your sugar levels. But along with that you also need to understand what complications you may have to face if you fail to adhere to your medications and keep your blood sugar in check. Also Read - Diabetes, pre-diabetes, air pollution can lead to interstitial lung disease

Dr Mitali Joshi, consultant at LifeSpan, highlights one such manifestation of type 2 diabetes called the Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS), a condition that can result in kidney failure, stroke and diabetic coma. Also Read - Type 2 diabetes: Are you experiencing diarrhea? The lesser-known sign of the condition

What is HHNS? How does it affect a diabetic? Is it an emergent condition? Also Read - Blood sugar spike due to COVID-19 could kill even non-diabetics

‘Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)’ is a complication of diabetes caused by extremely high blood sugar levels (over 600 mg/dl). Yes, it is an emergent condition and people with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of suffering from it. Here’s some information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

When a diabetic has extremely high blood sugar levels (over 600 mg/dl), the kidneys try to get rid of the extra blood sugar by eliminating it through the urine. The person suffering from HHNS urinates more often and this causes excessive loss of body fluids, resulting in dehydration. Dehydration causes the blood to become thicker and further increases the blood sugar levels which makes it difficult for the kidneys to rectify.

Along with high blood sugar and dehydration, an imbalance in levels of certain minerals like sodium and potassium is also seen. This imbalance of minerals, fluids and glucose can lead to several problems such as abnormal heart beat, seizures, organ failure or brain swelling.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

What tests help in diagnosing this condition?

A person’s medical history needs to be evaluated first. However, in case of a medical emergency, the main means of diagnosis is a blood test. The blood test will check for the concentration (thickness) of the blood and signs of infection that might have caused HHNS. A blood culture, urine culture and a chest X-ray is also needed to identify the first signs of infection.

Any complications a person should know about?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome increases blood thickness, which can lead to the formation of clots anywhere in the body. For instance, a blood clot in the brain or the heart can cause a person to have a stroke or a heart attack. In some cases, these complications can be fatal. Some other complications like kidney failure, swelling in the brain and seizures can result in a permanent damage. Read more about complications of diabetes.

Anything that family members of such patients should keep in mind?

The family needs to rush the patient to a hospital. HHNS needs immediate medical attention. The patient is first given IV (Intravenous) fluids to restore the fluid balance and the levels of sodium and potassium. The patient is closely monitored for brain swelling, kidney problems and other complications as well. Read more about caring for a diabetic in your family.

What can be done to prevent HHNS?

The following things need to be followed to prevent a person from suffering from hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome:

Take your diabetes medicines as per the prescribed schedule. Read more about diabetes control with lignaliptin.
Constantly monitor your blood sugar levels. Self monitoring of blood sugar levels is the key to managing diabetes effectively. Here’s why you should monitor your blood glucose regularly.
Follow your regular appointment with your diabetes care provider.
Report any symptoms of infection such as cough, fever or cloudy urine to the doctor. Read more about dealing with cough in diabetes.

Also read: Diabetic dyslipidemia, Diabetic neuropathy, Diabetic gangrene.

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Published : January 31, 2014 11:24 am | Updated:June 13, 2015 3:11 pm

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