Primary prevention
In the majority of patients, HHS evolves over several days and so frequent blood glucose monitoring may help to recognize patients at risk, especially in older patients and in those in long-term care facilities.
Many episodes could be prevented through education and effective outpatient treatment programs. Patients and family members should be educated about the following:[2]
Symptoms or blood glucose readings that should prompt the patient to contact the diabetes care team
The importance of insulin use during an illness, and never discontinuing insulin without contacting their healthcare provider
Frequent monitoring of blood sugars in patients with hyperglycemia (i.e., up to every 2-4 hours if they are ill)[44]
Blood glucose goals and the use of supplemental short- or rapid-acting insulins to correct elevated blood sugars
Initiation of an easily digestible, liquid carbohydrate diet when nauseated
Availability of antipyretics and medication to treat infection
All patients with diabetes, as well as patients with HIV or schizophrenia, and their caregivers should receive education about medications that may cause or worsen hyperglycemia.[34][45]
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