What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is a serious, life-threatening complication of diabetes, usually seen in Type 2 Diabetes.
It happens when blood sugar levels become extremely high (often above 600 mg/dL), but unlike Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), there is little or no ketone production.
- Because of very high blood sugar, the blood becomes thick (hyperosmolar), leading to severe dehydration and imbalance of electrolytes. If untreated, it can cause coma and even death.
Causes / Risk Factors
- Poorly controlled or untreated diabetes
- Infections (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, etc.)
- Certain medications (steroids, diuretics, etc.)
- Heart attack, stroke, or other acute illnesses
- Dehydration due to inadequate fluid intake (especially in elderly diabetics)
Symptoms of HHS
- Very high blood sugar (above 600 mg/dL)
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination (initially)
- Severe dehydration (dry skin, dry mouth, sunken eyes)
- Confusion, drowsiness, disorientation
- Weakness and muscle cramps
- Vision problems (blurred vision)
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Loss of consciousness or coma if untreated
Complications
If not treated urgently, HHS can lead to:
- Shock due to dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Seizures and brain swelling
- Stroke or heart attack
- Death in severe untreated cases
Homeopathic View
In Homeopathy, treatment is always individualized. For an acute, life-threatening emergency like HHS, immediate hospitalization and emergency management is necessary first (fluids, insulin, electrolytes).
After stabilization, Homeopathy helps by:
- Improving sugar metabolism
- Preventing recurrence of such hyperglycemic crises
- Treating the constitutional weakness behind diabetes
- Supporting kidneys, heart, and nervous system
- Commonly indicated remedies (selected on totality):
- Phosphoric Acid – extreme weakness, drowsiness, dehydration, loss of vitality
- Arsenicum Album – great thirst, restlessness, anxiety, fear of death
- Sulphur – chronic high blood sugar, weakness, heat, skin troubles
- Phosphorus – nervous weakness, vision issues, mental confusion
- Lactic Acid – excessive urination with intense thirst and weakness
Important:
Remedy choice depends on complete case-taking, not just symptoms of HHS.)
