Diabetes Mellitus · Pathology

What is the primary cause of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) in Type 2 Diabetes?

  1. Severe insulin deficiency leading to ketosis
  2. Severe dehydration due to osmotic diuresis
  3. Lactic acid accumulation from metformin use
  4. Hypothalamic autoimmune destruction
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Correct answer: Severe dehydration due to osmotic diuresis

HHS occurs when blood glucose is extremely high, causing profound osmotic diuresis. Because some insulin is usually present in Type 2 patients to suppress ketosis, they don't develop DKA but instead suffer from extreme dehydration.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 20

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