What is the difference between DKA and HHS?

The incidence of ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia is recognized as DKA; however, HHS has more severe hyperglycemia without ketoacidosis. Each shows an extreme in the spectrum of hyperglycemia. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the distinguishing metabolic emergency of type 1 diabetes. Those affected tend to be young, with either undiagnosed or insulin-treated diabetes. HHS usually afflicts people who have type 2 diabetes, either as the first appearance of the disorder or in those with poor compliance to medication.

Two of the most common metabolic emergencies that are synonymous with diabetes mellitus are diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic state. In DKA, there is virtually little to no circulating insulin, which is less typical in type 2. In HHS, blood sugar levels rise, and your body naturally tries to compensate. You also tend to rid yourself of excess sugar through the urine.

DKA stands for Diabetic Ketoacidosis while HHS stands for Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome. There are different treatments that are available for those who are battling these diseases as these are complications brought about by having diabetes. DKA is actually more common in adults than in children. DKA is also said to be more common among those who have type 1 diabetes but it does not mean that those who have type 2 diabetes will not experience this.

DKA means that there is a higher ketone concentration all over the body which means that the body lacks the right amount of insulin. One sign of DKA and HHS is abdominal pain. Depending on the condition of the patient, insulin treatment will be given out.

DKA is an ailment known as diabetic ketoacidosis, and HHS is another ailment known as Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome. Both have to do with the result of diabetes when there are complications from it. Sometimes, people get these two conditions confused. Comparing both of these conditions, it is actually better to have the diabetic ketoacidosis over the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome because DKA only has a mortality rate of less than five percent, but HHS has a mortality rate of fifteen percent.

Other differences include that diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in any aged diabetic person, but hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome occurs in older people. Also, type 1 patients usually have diabetic ketoacidosis over hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. The symptoms of each syndrome may vary slightly.