What is the difference between DKA and HHNK?

DKA means Diabetic Ketoacidosis while HHNK means Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Non-Ketoacidosis. These two conditions are suffered by those with diabetes. The two diabetic conditions must be managed as quickly as possible because they are potential life-threatening diseases. However, there is a slight difference between the two of them. The difference will be discussed in relation to their causes.

DKA can be experienced in diabetes 1 and diabetes 2 and is caused as a result of shortage of insulin i.e. when the insulin level in the body is low. Due to the shortage of insulin, the fat in the body will be converted to insulin to compensate for the loss. Also when a diabetes patient does not effectively follow insulin therapy, it can lead to Ketoacidosis. HHNK on the other hand is caused mainly by dehydration and it can also be caused by infections. DKA can only be cured by going for insulin therapy while HHNK can be cured by going for hydration therapy and cure the infection, if it caused by infection.