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If you have diabetes, you can get a serious condition called nonketotic hyperosmolar state. Doctors call it NKHS for short. If you have symptoms of NKHS, you need to see a doctor right away.

NKHS can happen if your diabetes isn't diagnosed (and so isn't treated). But it can also happen if your diabetes isn't treated properly. It happens most often in older people with type 2 diabetes who aren't taking insulin therapy. Usually, it comes on because they get an infection and don't drink enough water. If you have NKHS, you can:

• Feel lightheaded or dizzy
• Feel thirsty
• Need to urinate often
• Feel sick to your stomach
• Feel confused
• Lose consciousness (black out).

NKHS happens when the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood rises out of control. This normally makes you feel thirsty. But you might not get this symptom. Or you might ignore it, so your body doesn't get enough liquid and you get dehydrated. When this happens, your body tries to pull water out of your cells. Then you get NKHS.

If you have symptoms of NKHS, go to the hospital right away.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.