hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome /-glīsē″mik/ [Gk, hyper + glykys + hyper + osmos, impulse; L, non, not, (ketone)] , a diabetic syndrome caused by hyperosmolarity of extracellular fluid and resulting in severe osmotic diuresis causing dehydration. HHS is often a consequence of dehydration, stress, or diabetogenic medication given to an elderly person with undiagnosed or diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Also called hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS).
