Hyperosmolar syndrome (HS) occurs in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is similar to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) which is a risk for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Both of these conditions occur when blood glucose levels are high and the body becomes seriously dehydrated. The difference between HS and DKA is that HS tends to develop much more slowly and there are no ketones present in the blood stream. While DKA can appear in a matter of hours, HS may take days or even weeks to develop, but is serious and can result in death if it goes untreated. HS occurs most often among the elderly who live alone or in a situation where their health is not being carefully monitored.

Signs and symptoms of HS include:

• Frequent urination
• Thirst
• Weakness
• Leg cramps
• Sunken eyeballs and rapid pulse
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion or decreased mental awareness
• Coma

HS can be avoided if you monitor your blood glucose levels and keep them close to normal.

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