Without a doubt, the hyperosmolar syndrome is the most critical and most lethal of all the complications you can have with diabetes. It requires immediate medical attention by not just any doctor, but one that is skilled in the hyperosmolar syndrome. Under no circumstances should you attempt to self treat this situation. It is an absolute must that a doctor experienced in this condition be the one directing your treatment. It's also an absolute must that you get treatment as quickly as possible. The death rate of patients with the hyperosmolar syndrome is so high because most people who suffer from it are elderly and often have other serious illnesses that complicate the treatment of this condition.



When you are brought into the emergency room at your local hospital, your doctor is going to have to take care of three critical tasks in rapid fashion.



First, they are going to have to restore a very large volume of water to your body as by the time you've accessed care, you will have lost a significant amount of fluid - normally through vomiting.



Next, they are going to have to lower your blood glucose level promptly.



Lastly, they are going to have to restore all the other substances that your body has lost during the time you've been effected by the hyperosmolar syndrome. This will include thing like potassium, sodium, chloride, as well as other components.



Your doctor will create a chart where your levels of glucose, blood concentration, sodium, potassium and other substances will be monitored, which will be monitored as often as once an hour. You may find it odd that you'll likely not be given a significant amount of insulin in this situation. In fact, the large volume of fluid your doctor will give you will do the job of lowering your glucose, that only small amounts of insulin will need to be provided.



As your body fluids are returned to more normal levels, your kidneys will begin to receive the blood that they need to function properly and rid your body of all of the excess glucose.