Diabetes Emergencies: Hyperglycaemia

Cover image for: Diabetes Emergencies: Hyperglycaemia
CPDTime.
1h 1m
Updated 20 Oct 2025 Certificate ANCC Accredited 215 Ratings

Hyperglycaemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that requires prompt recognition and effective management. Hyperglycaemic emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), can lead to significant health consequences if not addressed early. Are you confident in identifying, managing, and preventing hyperglycaemic events in people living with diabetes?

This Ausmed Course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond to, and manage hyperglycaemia across various clinical settings.

Content

6 Units • 14 Questions
Pre-reflection
1 Question
Introduction
4m
Pretest
3 Questions
Hyperglycaemia Overview
1 Question
2m
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
3 Questions
22m
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)
3 Questions
5m
Prevention and Management
2 Questions
9m
Conclusion
1m
Post-reflection
1 Question

What you'll learn:

1

Differentiate between acute and chronic hyperglycaemia, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS).

2

Describe the complications of poor glycaemic control.

3

Explain the pathophysiology, risk factors and clinical presentation of DKA and HHS to support early recognition and timely intervention.

4

Apply evidence-based treatment and management strategies for hyperglycaemic emergencies.

5

Recognise the importance of glycaemic targets and monitoring to optimise diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications.

6

Implement effective sick day management strategies to prevent hyperglycaemic emergencies.

7

Educate patients and their caregivers on hyperglycaemia prevention, early warning signs and the importance of adherence to individualised diabetes management plans.

Who it's for:

Registered nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and confidence in managing and treating patients living with diabetes, with a particular focus on recognising and responding to hyperglycaemic emergencies.

Why it's needed:

Hyperglycaemia remains a critical concern in diabetes management, as it significantly increases the risk of both acute and chronic complications. Acute emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Additionally, chronic hyperglycaemia, reflected by elevated HbA1c levels, leads to long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications, increasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Effective blood glucose management is essential to mitigate these risks and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, this course aims to enhance practice by reinforcing the importance of glycaemic control and how it can help prevent complications to improve patient outcomes. By integrating updated guidelines, patient education and proactive management strategies, healthcare professionals can optimise diabetes care and reduce the burden of hyperglycaemia complications.

Purpose:

Provide healthcare professionals with current, evidence-based information on the prevention and management of hyperglycaemia in order to enhance patient care, reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes.

Topics

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Last updated20 Oct 2025

Published20 Oct 2025

Due for review28 Oct 2027
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ANCC Accredited
The Ausmed Education Learning Centre is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialling Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
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