From diabetic ketoacidosis to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome: the spectrum of uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome are two examples of uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus that may prove life threatening. Both disorders result from a breakdown in glucose homeostasis caused by a relative or absolute insulin deficiency. This article compares and contrasts these two disorders with regard to pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management.