HHS stands for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State.
What does HHS mean?
HHS stands for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, a serious diabetes emergency with very high blood sugar and severe dehydration, usually in type 2 diabetes.
HHS stands for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State. It is a serious emergency that happens mainly in type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar rises to very high levels and the body becomes severely dehydrated. Unlike DKA, there is usually little or no build up of ketones.
HHS often develops slowly over days and can be triggered by infection, illness, or missed treatment. Signs include very high blood sugar, extreme thirst, frequent urination, dryness, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases reduced consciousness.
HHS is a medical emergency that needs urgent hospital treatment, usually with fluids, insulin, and careful correction of salts. It is often compared with DKA, which is more common in type 1 diabetes and involves ketones.
When is HHS used?
Seen in emergency medicine and diabetes care. HHS is a medical emergency, most common in type 2 diabetes, needing urgent treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What does HHS mean?
HHS means Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, a serious diabetes emergency with very high blood sugar and severe dehydration.
Who gets HHS?
It is most common in people with type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between HHS and DKA?
HHS involves very high blood sugar and dehydration with little ketone build up, while DKA involves ketones and is more common in type 1 diabetes.
Is HHS an emergency?
Yes. HHS is a medical emergency that needs urgent hospital treatment.
What triggers HHS?
It can be triggered by infection, illness, or missed diabetes treatment.