Hyperosmolar syndrome or diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is a medical emergency caused by a very high blood glucose level.
The prefix "hyper" means high, and "osmolarity" is a measure of the concentration of active particles in a solution, so the name of the syndrome simply refers to the high concentration of glucose in the blood.
Signs & symptoms
Hyperosmolar syndrome may take a long duration - days and weeks - to develop. However, certain signs and symptoms may indicate that such a condition is developing. Some of the signs include the following:
- Excessive thirst despite frequently taking water / other liquids
- Continued high level of blood sugar
- Dry and/ or parched mouth
- Frequency of urination increases
- Pulse rate becomes rapid
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Skin becomes dry and warm and there is no sweating
- Sleepiness and/ or a condition of confusion
References
Hyperosmolar syndrome Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA