Complicaciones hiperglucémicas agudas de la diabetes mellitus: cetoacidosis diabética y estado hiperosmolar hiperglucémico

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome are acute complications of diabetes mellitus that can be life-threatening if not treated properly. The basic underlying mechanism for diabetic ketoacidosis is insulin deficiency coupled with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones, such as glucagon, cortisol, catecholamines, and growth hormone. Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome is characterized by insulin deficiency and dehydration. Both complications can be the initial presentation of diabetes mellitus or precipitated in known patients with diabetes mellitus by many factors, most commonly infection. The management involves careful clinical evaluation, correction of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, identification and treatment of precipitating and co-morbid conditions, appropriate long-term treatment of diabetes, and plans to prevent recurrence. Many cases can be prevented by proper education to diabetic patients.