Nonketotic Hyperosmolar Coma

(NKHC, Hyperglycemic Coma) This is a gradual loss of consciousness, most often in an older person whose diabetes usually does not require insulin injections. NKHC is seen generally in older persons with Type II diabetes who are institutionalized, or mentally impaired due to a prior cerebrovascular accident that may mask the signs and symptoms of NKHC including focal neurologic abnormalities, transient hemiparesis, hemisenory deficits, aphasia, involuntary muscle contractions, hallucinations, delirium and coma.