ComparisonIntermediate
What are the key differences between DKA and HHS in terms of occurrence, plasma glucose, blood ketones, pH, and hydration status?
DKA mainly occurs in type 1 diabetes (though possible in type 2 and secondary diabetes), while HHS occurs in type 2 and secondary diabetes. In DKA, plasma glucose is usually above 11 mmol/L, blood ketones above 3, and pH below 7.3; in HHS, plasma glucose is above 40 mmol/L, blood ketones below 1.5, and pH above 7.3. Hydration status is variable in DKA, ranging from mild to severe dehydration, whereas HHS involves severe dehydration.
Key points
- DKA: type 1 diabetes, but also possible in type 2 and secondary diabetes.
- HHS: type 2 and secondary diabetes.
- DKA plasma glucose >11 mmol/L; HHS >40 mmol/L.
- DKA blood ketones >3; HHS <1.5.
- DKA pH <7.3; HHS pH >7.3.
- DKA hydration is variable (mild to severe dehydration); HHS causes severe dehydration.
Oxford Handbook of Adult Nursing, Third Edition
Unknown
Third Edition · Oxford University Press