Page 281 - fourth year book

DIABETES MELLITUS

 Impaired thirst
 Limited access to water (especially in patients with dementia or
who are bedbound)

 Older age
 Poor kidney function
 Poor management of diabetes -- not following the treatment plan
as directed
 Stopping insulin or other medications that lower glucose levels.

 Symptoms may include any of the following:
 Coma
 Confusion
 Convulsions

 Dry mouth, dry tongue
 Fever
 Increased thirst
 Increased urination (at the beginning of the syndrome)
 Lethargy

 Nausea
 Weakness
 Weight loss

Symptoms may get worse over days or weeks, other symptoms that
may occur with this disease:

 Loss of feeling or function of muscles

 Problems with movement
 Speech impairment.

 Prevention :
Controlling type 2 diabetes and recognizing the early signs of
dehydration and infection can help prevent this condition.

 Treatment :

This condition is a medical emergency. The goal of treatment is to correct
the dehydration. This will improve the blood pressure, urine output, and
circulation.

Fluids and potassium will be given intravenously. High glucose level is
treated with insulin given intravenously.

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