Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is a serious condition that mostly happen in older persons. It can happen both to type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients when they are not properly controlled.

During HHNS the blood sugar levels rise, and the body tries to eliminate the excess of sugar through urine. At the beginning you need to go to the toilet very often, and are urinate a lot. You may feel very thirsty, and even if you do not you should drink plenty of liquids. If you drink too few liquids you can get dehydrated. This dehydration can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. HHNS can develop in days or even weeks. You should be aware of its warning signs.

Signs of HHNS are: blood sugar level over 600mg/dl, dry mouth, extreme thirst, warm and dry skin, high fever, sleepiness or confusion, loss of vision, hallucinations, and weakness on one side of the body.

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical care of you have signs or symptoms of HHNS.