The key difference between DKA and HHNS is that DKA usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, while HHNS usually occurs in people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) are two potentially dangerous conditions that occur in people who are suffering from diabetes. Both these conditions involve a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels. However, DKA is linked to high ketone levels in the blood, while HHNS is not linked to high ketone levels in the blood.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is DKA
3. What is HHNS
4. Similarities – DKA and HHNS
5. DKA vs HHNS in Tabular Form
6. Summary – DKA vs HHNS
What is DKA?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that occurs in people with type 1 diabetes. This condition is due to the inability of the body to produce sufficient levels of insulin. Insulin is very important in helping glucose to enter the cells. Without insulin, the body begins to break down fat as fuel, which leads to the build-up of acids called ketones in the bloodstream.
The symptoms of DKA may include being thirsty, urinating often, stomach pain, weakness, shortness of breath, having fully scented breath, and confusion. DKA can be caused by an illness such as infection, a problem with insulin therapy, physical or emotional trauma, heart attack, pancreatitis, pregnancy, alcohol or drug misuse, certain medications like corticosteroids, and some diuretics. Moreover, the risk factors for DKA may include having type 1 diabetes and misusing insulin doses.
DKA can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests such as (blood sugar level, ketone level, blood acidity, and blood electrolytes), urinalysis, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram. Furthermore, treatment options for DKA may include intravenous fluid, electrolyte replacement, and insulin therapy.
What is HHNS?
HHNS is a serious condition that usually occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. This is a dangerous condition resulting from very high blood glucose levels. However, it is not associated with high ketone levels in the blood. This condition is caused by an infection such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection, poor management of blood sugar, taking certain medications such as glucocorticoids and diuretics, trauma and other medical emergencies like cardiovascular disease, chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
The typical symptoms of HHNS may include dry mouth, elevated blood sugar levels, extreme thirst, warm skin with sweating, fever, confusion, feeling sleepy, vision loss, hallucinations, nausea, and weakness in one side of the lower part of the body. Moreover, the risk factors for HHNS include having type 2 diabetes and aging (older people are affected more).
HHNS can be diagnosed through the evaluation of physical symptoms and blood tests (blood glucose level of 600 mg/dL and low ketone level). Furthermore, treatment options for HHNS may include fluid to rehydrate the body, electrolytes such as potassium, insulin to regulate the blood sugar level, and managing underlying conditions such as infections (through medications like antibiotics).
What are the Similarities Between DKA and HHNS?
- DKA and HHNS are two potentially dangerous conditions that occur in people who are suffering from diabetes.
- Both these conditions involve a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels.
- These conditions may have similar symptoms, such as high levels of sugar in the blood, confusion, weakness, etc.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests.
- They can be treated by providing intravenous fluid and insulin.
What is the Difference Between DKA and HHNS?
DKA is a potentially dangerous condition that usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, while HHNS is a potentially dangerous condition that usually occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this is the key difference between DKA and HHNS. Furthermore, DKA is linked to high ketone levels in the blood, while HHNS is not linked to high ketone levels in the blood.
The below infographic presents the differences between DKA and HHNS in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – DKA vs HHNS
DKA and HHNS are two serious conditions that occur in people who are suffering from diabetes. Often, they are considered to be complications of diabetes. Moreover, both these conditions involve a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels. However, DKA usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, while HHNS usually occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, DKA is linked to high ketone levels in the blood, but HHNS is not linked to high ketone levels in the blood. So, this summarizes the difference between DKA and HHNS.
Reference:
1. “Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Diabetic Ketoacidosis.” Mayo Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” By Manu5 – Scientific Animations (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Diabetic Ketoacidosis Model” By Gblanchard16 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia