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Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is a very high blood sugar emergency mostly seen in which type?

Type 2 diabetes, often in older adults.

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  1. Type 2 diabetes ✔
  2. Type 1 diabetes
  3. Gestational diabetes

Why: HHS mostly affects people with type 2. Blood sugar climbs very high, often over 600 mg/dL, causing extreme thirst, confusion and vision changes. It's an emergency, so call 911 or get to an ER.

Huh, didn't know that: Unlike DKA, HHS usually comes with low ketone levels.

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Why do very high numbers get attention? Some numbers are too big to ignore.
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References

Answer: Type 2 diabetes. HHS mostly affects people with type 2. Blood sugar climbs very high, often over 600 mg/dL, causing extreme thirst, confusion and vision changes. It's an emergency, so call 911 or get to an ER.

  1. Cleveland Clinic, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21147-hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic-state
    HHS mainly affects people with Type 2 diabetes, typically adults older than 65 years.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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