An analysis of hyperglycemic crises in the United States shows that more Americans with diabetes died from the events than previously thought.
A hyperglycemic crisis occurs when an individual, typically someone with diabetes, has critically high blood sugar. This happens when the body lacks enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Hyperglycemia can become a serious problem if left untreated. Hyperglycemia can cause people with diabetes to fall into a life-threatening state called ketoacidosis. The body can’t use sugar during ketoacidosis, so it breaks down fats for fuel. In the process of ketoacidosis, the body produces ketones as a byproduct, which can build up in the body and make the blood dangerously acidic.
