In today’s episode, we will be talking to Dr. Alexanian who is the Director of Inpatient Diabetes Program at the Boston Medical Center, she specializes in inpatient management of diabetes. In this episode, we will discuss several life-threatening complications of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hypoglycemic state (HHS). We will also discuss hospitals should create guidelines to manage these complications and how diabetes care has evolved over the years.
Dr. Sara Alexanian is an Endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center, which is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. She directs the Inpatient Diabetes program and is also involved in quality improvement and resident education.
“And sometimes honestly, patients have had diabetes or hyperglycemia for so long and they haven't noticed it that they'll tell me, ‘Oh, this has only been happening for a few days.’
And I promise you it's been happening for longer, but it's come on so slowly that they just don't notice.”
QOTD: How do you manage your diabetes?
On this episode you will learn:
What diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is and how it can create life-threatening complications to people with diabetes
Some treatments that reduce the risk of DKA and HHS
How to reduce the rates of hypoglycemia without affecting the DKA
Any special diets to reduce the risk of DKA and HHS
Connect with Yumlish!
Connect with Sara!
Key Points:
0:00: Intro with Shireen
1:07: Introducing Dr. Sara M. Alexanian
2:12: What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
3:24: Complications of DKA and HHS
4:04: the difference between DK and HHS in regards to type 1 and type 2
5:15: treatments to minimize the risk of DKA and HHS
6:20: How have hospitals reevaluated the management for treating DKA and HHS
10:00: Dr. Alexanian’s study and its results
14:22: Is there anything people with diabetes can do themselves to prevent DKA and HHS
16:10: Symptoms to look out for
17:50: Where to find Dr. Alexanian
18:29: Wrap-Up and QOTD
19:12: Outro with Shireen
