Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

Sick-day management should be reviewed periodically with all patients. This should include:

• When to contact the healthcare provider

• Blood glucose goals and the use of supplemental short- or rapid-acting insulin during illness

• Means to suppress fever and treat infection.

Patients should be advised to never discontinue insulin during illness and to seek professional advice early.

The patient/family member must be able to accurately measure and record blood glucose, insulin administration, temperature, respiratory rate, and pulses. The frequency of blood-glucose monitoring varies between patients depending upon individual clinical condition.

Further information is available from the American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association: Living with diabetes Opens in new window