Managing hyperglycaemic emergencies: an illustrative case and review of recent British guidelines

Catherine F Gouveia; Tahseen A Chowdhury

doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.13-2-160

Managing hyperglycaemic emergencies: an illustrative case and review of recent British guidelines

Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Apr;13(2):160-2. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.13-2-160.

Authors

Catherine F Gouveia¹, Tahseen A Chowdhury

Affiliation

¹ Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK.

Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome are important hyperglycaemic emergencies seen in patients with diabetes. Occasionally, differentiation between the two conditions can be difficult. We present the case of a patient whose hyperglycaemic emergency was managed in a way that could have adversely influenced the outcome. We also discuss important aspects of the new Joint British Diabetes Societies Guidelines on the management of hyperglycaemic emergencies.

Keywords: Joint British Diabetes Societies Guidelines; diabetic ketoacidosis; hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Acute Kidney Injury / complications
Adult
Diabetic Ketoacidosis / complications
Diabetic Ketoacidosis / diagnosis*
Diabetic Ketoacidosis / drug therapy*
Diagnosis, Differential
Emergencies
Fluid Therapy
Humans
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / complications
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / diagnosis*
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / drug therapy*
Insulin / therapeutic use
Male
Practice Guidelines as Topic*
Sodium Chloride / therapeutic use
United Kingdom

Substances

Insulin
Sodium Chloride