Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma (HONK)

HONK can occur with very high blood glucose levels

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma is a dangerous condition brought on by very high blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes (above 33 mmol/L).

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma is a short term complication requiring immediate treatment by a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of HONK

Before loss of consciousness and coma takes place, patients will display signs of very high blood sugar such as extreme thirst, frequent need to urinate, disorientation and nausea.

The condition of very high blood glucose without signs of ketosis may also be known as Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS).

Causes of HONK

Causes of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma may include undiagnosed type 2 diabetes that has been developing over a number of years.

Alternatively, HONK could be brought on by diabetic medication not being taken or very high blood glucose resulting from a period of illness.

Treatment for HONK

Treatment for hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma will include fluids being given to the patient and insulin administered intravenously.

HONK and type 2 diabetes

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma is coma resulting from very high blood glucose levels in a patient with normal ketone levels.

If very high blood glucose levels are combined with high ketone levels, the state is likely to be ketoacidosis.