A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes has a blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL. If untreated, she is most likely to develop what serious condition?

The correct answer indicates that if the 37-year-old female with a blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL remains untreated, she is most likely to develop acidosis and dehydration.

In individuals with diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to a condition known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), particularly if there is a significant lack of insulin. Both conditions can result in metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketones in the case of DKA and can lead to dehydration as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose through increased urination.

Dehydration occurs because the kidneys are overwhelmed by the high levels of glucose, causing osmotic diuresis, where increased urine output leads to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. Consequently, this can severely affect the body’s homeostasis, putting the patient at risk for complications such as shock or potential organ failure if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, severe insulin shock is related to low blood sugar, and hypoxia and overhydration are not typically associated with high glucose levels. While renal failure can occur as a result of long-term diabetes complications, it’s not the most immediate concern in this scenario. The