The Diabetic Hyperosmolar State

Contribution of methamphetamine and insulin to the death of a woman suffering from type I diabetes - which played the greater role?

This report presents a fatal case of a young female Type I diabetic patient who developed convulsions and loss of consciousness after taking methamphetamine and spending some time in a dance club. During the convulsions, she was given sugar and when no response occurred, her boyfriend who was not experienced in the use of insulin administered a dose of insulin to her. The woman lost consciousness and died despite the efforts of the emergency service. A biochemical analysis revealed a high level of insulin (196.67 mU/L) and low levels of glucose (2.96 mmol/L) and C-peptide (26 pmol/L). Toxicological analysis revealed a methamphetamine concentration of 389 ng/mL and an amphetamine concentration of 19 ng/mL. The forensic perspective of the difficult determination of the contribution of each of the factors to the death, i.e., the pre-existing medical condition (Type I diabetes), the use of methamphetamine, the physical exertion at the dance club, and, finally, the non-indicated administration of insulin, is discussed. The ruling of the court is also reported.

Diagnosis and Management of the Critically Ill Adult Patient with Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is important for emergency physicians to be aware of this unique diagnosis and treatment considerations.

OBJECTIVE

This manuscript reviews the emergency department evaluation and management of the adult patient with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.

DISCUSSION

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is diagnosed by an elevated glucose, elevated serum osmolality, minimal or absent ketones, and a neurologic abnormality, most commonly altered mental status. Treatment involves fluid resuscitation and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. It is important to monitor these patients closely to avoid overcorrection of osmolality, sodium, and other electrolytes. These patients are critically ill and generally require admission to an intensive care unit.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.

Long non‑coding RNA MALAT1 promotes high glucose‑induced rat cartilage endplate cell apoptosis via the p38/MAPK signalling pathway

Diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The long non‑coding RNA MALAT1 has been revealed to play an important role in diabetes‑associated complications. However, the specific role of MALAT1 in diabetes‑associated IDD has not been determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the roles of MALAT1 in the apoptosis of cartilage endplate (CEP) cells induced by high glucose and to explore the mechanisms underlying this effect. Rat CEP cells were cultured in high‑glucose medium (25 mM glucose) for 24 or 72 h. Cells cultured in medium containing 5 mM glucose were used as a control. Flow cytometry was used to detect the degree of apoptosis. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of MALAT1 mRNA. In addition, CEP cells were treated with different conditions (high glucose, high glucose + MALAT1 negative control, high glucose + MALAT1 RNAi, normal control) for 72 h. Flow cytometry was subsequently used to detect apoptosis and western blotting was used to measure the expression levels of total and phosphorylated p38. The results revealed that high glucose concentration promoted apoptosis and enhanced expression of MALAT1 in CEP cells. Furthermore, MALAT1 knockout decreased the expression levels of total and phosphorylated p38 and reduced the apoptosis of rat CEP cells. The results obtained in the present study indicated that MALAT1 may serve as an important therapeutic target for curing or delaying IDD in patients with diabetes.

Evidence-Based Management of Diabetes in Older Adults

The number of older adults with diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide. A variety of factors contribute to the age-related increase in the incidence of diabetes. The lack of empiric evidence in the field has limited the management guidelines to mostly expert opinion. Given uncertainty over the rate at which to lower blood glucose levels and the optimal method of doing so, the goals of diabetes control in older people must be individualized. If the patient requires insulin therapy, the newer insulins, with their improved pharmacodynamic consistency and reduced risk of hypoglycemia, should be preferred. Several oral agents are preferable for people with sufficient endogenous insulin because they do not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy. Some of these oral agents have been found to have cardioprotective effects. Older people with diabetes also require management of the other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering agents and low-dose aspirin. However, the precise targets for blood pressure control and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels continue to evolve as more data become available. Diabetes care in older adults should focus on enhancing the individual's quality of life rather than trying to normalize blood glucose levels or reach predetermined blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets.

Incidence, recurrence and cost of hyperglycaemic crises requiring emergency treatment in Andalusia, Spain

AIMS

Hyperglycaemic crises (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state) are medical emergencies in people with diabetes. We aimed to determine their incidence, recurrence and economic impact.

METHODS

An observational study of hyperglycaemic crises cases using the database maintained by the out-of-hospital emergency service, the Healthcare Emergency Public Service (EPES) during 2012. The EPES provides emergency medical services to the total population of Andalusia, Spain (8.5 million inhabitants) and records data on the incidence, resource utilization and cost of out-of-hospital medical care. Direct costs were estimated using public prices for health services updated to 2012.

RESULTS

Among 1 137 738 emergency calls requesting medical assistance, 3157 were diagnosed with hyperglycaemic crises by an emergency coordinator, representing 2.9 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes [95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.8 to 3.0]. The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was 2.5 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes (95% CI 2.4 to 2.6) and the incidence of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state was 0.4 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes (95% CI 0.4 to 0.5). In total, 17.7% (n = 440) of people had one or more hyperglycaemic crisis. The estimated total direct cost was €4 662 151, with a mean direct cost per episode of €1476.8 ± 217.8.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycaemic crises require high resource utilization of emergency medical services and have a significant economic impact on the health system.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: a historic review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

The hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is the most serious acute hyperglycemic emergency in patients with type 2 diabetes. von Frerichs and Dreschfeld described the first cases of HHS in the 1880s in patients with an "unusual diabetic coma" characterized by severe hyperglycemia and glycosuria in the absence of Kussmaul breathing, with a fruity breath odor or positive acetone test in the urine. Current diagnostic HHS criteria include a plasma glucose level >600 mg/dL and increased effective plasma osmolality >320 mOsm/kg in the absence of ketoacidosis. The incidence of HHS is estimated to be <1% of hospital admissions of patients with diabetes. The reported mortality is between 10 and 20%, which is about 10 times higher than the mortality rate in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite the severity of this condition, no prospective, randomized studies have determined best treatment strategies in patients with HHS, and its management has largely been extrapolated from studies of patients with DKA. There are many unresolved questions that need to be addressed in prospective clinical trials regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric and adult patients with HHS.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are potentially fatal hyperglycemic crises that occur as acute complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The authors provide a review of the current epidemiology, precipitating factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of DKA and HHS. The discovery of insulin in 1921 changed the life expectancy of patients with diabetes mellitus dramatically. Today, almost a century later, DKA and HHS remain significant causes of morbidity and mortality across different countries, ages, races, and socioeconomic groups and a significant economic burden for society.

Evidence-based management of hyperglycemic emergencies in diabetes mellitus

The hyperglycemic emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are potentially fatal complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The incidence of DKA and the economic burden of its treatment continue to rise, but its associated mortality rate which was uniformly high has diminished remarkably over the years. This Improvement in outcome is largely due to better understanding of the pathogenesis of hyperglycemic emergencies and the application of evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of patients. In this article, we present a critical review of the evidence behind the recommendations that have resulted in the improved prognosis of patients with hyperglycemic crises. A succinct discussion of the pathophysiology and important etiological factors in DKA and HHS are provided as a prerequisite for understanding the rationale for the effective therapeutic maneuvers employed in these acute severe metabolic conditions. The evidence for the role of preventive measures in DKA and HHS is also discussed. The unanswered questions and future research needs are also highlighted.

Acute lower limb ischemia is a frequent complication of severe diabetic hyperosmolarity

AIM

To describe the outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted with a hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS), with a specific analysis of precipitating conditions and complications including lower limb ischemia.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients admitted in a university-hospital ICU for HHNS.

RESULTS

Seventeen consecutive patients (9F/8M, age: 75 years [57-81] (median [25-75% percentiles], Glasgow Coma score: 13 [12-14]) were admitted for HHNS over an 8-year period (1998-2005). On admission, the blood glucose level was 40.0 mmol/l [26.3-60.8], the corrected serum sodium concentration 167 mmol/l [158-174], and the calculated plasma osmolarity 384 mosmol/l [365-405]. All the patients presented with renal failure due to severe dehydration. An infection was identified as the precipitating factor in 8/17 cases. Three (18%) patients died in the ICU. Non-survivors were significantly older than survivors (P=0.02). Using univariate analysis, no other parameter measured on admission was related to mortality. Four patients (24%) presented with lower limb ischemia. They had a significantly more elevated blood urea nitrogen (P=0.03), creatinine phosphokinase level (P=0.04), and leukocyte count (P=0.02). The bilateral, symmetrical, and distal extremity involvement suggested diminished blood flow due to hyperviscosity, hypotension, vasoconstrictors, or cholesterol emboli rather than a proximal arterial obstruction as causative mechanisms. No patient was treated surgically. Ischemia reversed with fluid loading and resulted in toe dry digital necrosis.

CONCLUSION

HHNS is a rare but life-threatening cause of ICU admission. There is a high incidence of lower limb ischemia in HHNS patients, which may be related to dehydration and blood hyperviscosity.

Diabetic hyperosmolarity: a consequence of loss of autonomy

Diabetic hyperosmolarity is a serious acute metabolic disorder mainly occurring in the frail elderly subject presenting age-related favoring factors (reduced sensation of thirst, altered endocrine regulation), disease-related favoring factors (cognitive impairment, poor nutritional status and/or loss of autonomy), and a triggering factor, generally infection. Diabetic hyperosmolarity can occur in a previously non-diabetic patient. Intense dehydration dominants the clinical picture. The prognosis depends largely on the underlying chronic disease.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is the most serious acute complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emergency department management focuses on prompt diagnosis and restoration of hemodynamic stability with appropriate fluid therapy while maintaining electrolyte homeostasis. Identification of any precipitating illness is essential. The emergence of HHS as a critical presentation of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents is highlighted.

Épidémiologie et facteurs pronostiques des états hyperosmolaires chez le sujet âgé

OBJECTIVE

We studied elderly patients admitted for hyperosmolar state (HS) to evaluate current outcome of HS and identify prognosis factors associated with mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

A clinical retrospective study in an eight bed ICU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen over 65-year-old patients admitted with a serum osmolality greater than 325 mOsm/kg were reviewed. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus, underlying medical condition, presence of an acute precipitating factor, Apache II and Glasgow scores, systolic arterial pressure, state of hydration, core temperature, heart rate, serum osmolality, creatininemia, lactatemia, plasma urea and bicarbonate, and protidemia were collected at the admission. Amount of fluid, time course of osmolality correction, length of hospitalization and mortality were recorded. All data were analyzed to identify possible correlations with patient outcome.

RESULTS

Mean age: 75 +/- 11 years; sex ratio 1/2; hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states: 13 patients; hyperosmolar hypernatremic states: five patients; mean Apache II score: 18 +/- 7; Glasgow coma score: 11 +/- 3; mean osmolality: 370 +/- 25 mOsm/kg. In nine patients, infection was the precipitating factor. Five patients died (28%). At the admission, low blood pressure and high heart rate were related to mortality. During hospitalization, the occurrence of an acute cardiocirculatory failure and/or the need of mechanical ventilation significantly worsens the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that ICU mortality of HS in the elderly was at 28%. Haemodynamic state was the only factor of prognosis at the admission. Deaths were mostly related to acute respiratory and circulatory failure.

Diabetes in the elderly: problems of care and service provision

Diabetes is common in the elderly and old UK citizens, affecting between 10% and 25%. There is considerable associated morbidity and mortality, with dementia being a common problem. The diabetic elder is also at risk of drug side-effects. Most of the evidence base for treatment is based on trials performed in younger diabetic subjects or older nondiabetic subjects; however, we can practice evidence-biased medicine whilst awaiting the results of ongoing trials. The older persons national service framework (NSF) may share some similarities with the diabetes NSF; it was 1 year late, and had no clear funding, amongst several other worries. Residential care, which is more likely to be required by diabetic elders, is also under-funded with major concerns about the quality of care for the diabetic resident. The little evidence that we have regarding care of the older diabetic person also suggests inadequacies. Given the likelihood that we will have to manage with present resources, managed clinical networks may be one way to cope.

Hyperglycemic crises in diabetes mellitus type 2

Hyperglycemic crises in type 2 diabetes are not rare and are becoming increasingly recognized as part of the spectrum of the presentation of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and the decompensation of established diabetes mellitus. Contributing factors and associations are being elucidated but remain far from clear, particularly in DKA states. Medications commonly used in the treatment of many comorbid illnesses in patients with diabetes can themselves predispose to HHS. Endocrinopathies can contribute to insulin resistance and directly increase the glycemic load, leading to hyperglycemia. Medications such as the protease inhibitors may in the future lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the metabolic derangements seen in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) are life-threatening acute metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus. Although there are some important differences, the pathophysiology, the presenting clinical challenge, and the treatment of these metabolic derangements are similar. Each of these complications can be seen in type 1 or type 2 diabetes, although DKA is usually seen in patients with type 1 diabetes and HHNS in patients with type 2 disease. The clinical management of these syndromes involves careful evaluation and correction of the metabolic and volume status of the patient, identification and treatment of precipitating and comorbid conditions, a smooth transition to a long-term treatment regimen, and a plan to prevent recurrence.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the elderly

The prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus dramatically increases with age. Older diabetic subjects have an increased frequency of complications from diabetes compared with their younger counterparts and higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with age-matched non-diabetic controls. Elderly patients with diabetes are generally treated following the same approach as in younger patients: dietary therapy first, followed by oral hypoglycaemic agents and ultimately insulin. However, several specificities should be pointed out. Changes associated with ageing may affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both sulphonylureas (increasing the risk of severe hypoglycaemia) and biguanides (increasing the risk of lactic acidosis). The best insulin regimen in old age is not known, but a twice-daily injection of a pre-mixed insulin preparation is usually recommended. Goals of therapy must be realistic and not cause disabling side-effects. The general practitioner plays a crucial role in the care of elderly diabetic patients, but access to a multidisciplinary specialized team may be necessary.

Diabetes in the elderly

Diabetes affects at least 20% of the population over the age of 65. Half of these patients are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes in middle-aged subjects is characterized by an impairment in glucose induced insulin release, increased fasting hepatic glucose output and resistance to insulin mediated glucose disposal. In contrast, diabetes in the elderly is primarily associated with insulin deficiency. The presentation of diabetes in the aged is often non-specific. The elderly have an increased frequency of complications from diabetes. They are particularly susceptible to hypoglycaemia, because of reduced awareness of hypoglycaemic warning symptoms and altered release of counterregulatory hormones. Although no data are yet available from randomized controlled trials, there is abundant epidemiological evidence to suggest that adequate control of blood glucose can be expected to reduce the risk of long-term complications. A team approach is ideal for the management of the elderly patient with diabetes. Little data is available on which to base a diet and exercise prescription for elderly patients. Gliclazide appears to be the sulphonylurea of choice in the aged because it is associated with a lower frequency of hypoglycaemic reactions. Urine glucose testing is unreliable, and capillary glucose monitoring is preferred. Fructosamine may prove to be superior to haemoglobin A1C for monitoring long-term control.

Pro: glucose priming solutions should be used for cardiopulmonary bypass

Current knowledge suggests that risks of glucose-containing solutions for patients undergoing CPB are hypothetical at best. Instead, patients may benefit from reduced perioperative fluid requirements bestowed by intraoperative glucose-containing solutions. This risk-benefit analysis does not apply to patients undergoing circulatory arrest. This population endures the certain risk of global CNS ischemia; furthermore, no studies address the effect of glucose on fluid requirements in this population. As the benefit of glucose during operations requiring circulatory arrest is unknown and the probable risk of exacerbating global CNS is high, deliberate hyperglycemia in this population is probably unwise. For patients undergoing CPB without circulatory arrest, the risk-benefit balance falls in favor of adding glucose. The contention that hyperglycemia worsens CNS deficits after cardiac operation is undocumented and may not be true. For their patients undergoing CPB, clinicians should seriously consider using glucose-containing priming solutions.

Nonketotic hypertonicity in diabetes mellitus

Nonketotic hypertonicity (NKH) is one of the most common endocrine emergencies. It is more common in the elderly patient with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus but may occur in insulin-dependent diabetes as well. Although there are many possible precipitating causes, the final common pathway is usually decreased access to water. Treatment consists of vigorous hydration, electrolyte replacement, and small amounts of insulin. Most deaths from NKH occur in the first 2 days of hospitalization; therefore, a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality can be expected by education of patients and their caregivers in the prevention of NKH.