Kim Soomi, who died on the morning of the 25th at the age of 75, was said to have died of hyperglycemic shock.

Kim Soomi's son Jeong Myungho, an executive at Napalkkot F&B, said: “The police investigating the cause of death told us that hyperglycemic shock was the final cause of death,” adding: “Her blood sugar was over 500.” He continued: “Honestly, my mother was under a lot of stress about the play.”Mom, the homeand she had not received any payment since last year and was preparing to sue.”

It was confirmed that Kim Soomi had not been paid for her role in the musical.Mom, the home since last year after the production company was embroiled in a plagiarism controversy. This year, Kim Soomi actively performed in the musical, which probably caused significant physical exhaustion, causing fatigue to accumulate.

Hyperglycemic shock, blood sugar levels above 500 mg/dl… Leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and cardiac arrest

Hyperglycemic shock, the alleged cause of Kim Soo-mi's death, is a medical emergency that occurs when blood sugar levels become extremely high.

According to Samsung Medical Center's diabetes education materials, sugar begins to be excreted in urine when blood sugar exceeds 180 mg/dL, causing symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination, extreme hunger, dry skin and mouth, and blurred vision.

Her son's comment that her “blood sugar was over 500” means that her blood sugar level exceeded 500 mg/dL, which is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

A blood sugar level above 500 mg/dl is likely to lead to acute complications related to diabetes, such as: B. diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Both conditions are considered forms of hyperglycemic shock and can lead to cardiac arrest due to a disruption in blood sugar regulation.

HHS, which mirrors Kim Soomi's condition, mostly occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes where blood sugar levels are extremely high (usually over 600 mg/dL). As the kidneys excrete excess sugar through urine, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occur. Because ketone bodies are not normally produced in this state, acidosis does not occur, but the high osmolarity in the blood can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to coma or severe mental confusion. Without proper treatment, dehydration and circulatory problems can lead to cardiac arrest or kidney failure.

DKA, on the other hand, primarily affects patients with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in type 2 diabetes. It results from a lack of insulin, which causes the body to use fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketone bodies. This process leads to metabolic acidosis, in which the blood becomes acidic. Blood sugar levels are high (generally above 250 mg/dl) and there is an accumulation of ketone bodies, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of consciousness. If DKA is not treated early, severe electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur, which can lead to cardiac arrest or multi-organ failure.

Both HHS and DKA typically cause cardiac arrest due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acid-base imbalance, increased blood viscosity, and vascular damage.

The main causes of hyperglycemic shock can be divided into three categories:

1. Failure to inject enough insulin or missing an injection can lead to hyperglycemia.
2. External factors such as stress or infections can increase the body's need for insulin.
3. Medications such as steroids or some diuretics can cause blood sugar to rise quickly.

Symptoms of hyperglycemic shock include extreme thirst, excessive urination, dehydration, confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid breathing (especially in DKA), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting (common in DKA).

Hyperglycemic shock requires immediate treatment, including intravenous fluid therapy and administration of insulin to control blood glucose and electrolyte levels. If blood sugar exceeds 500 mg/dL, as in Kim Soomi's case, it is important to immediately go to a medical facility for intravenous fluids, insulin therapy and electrolyte correction. It is also important to drink enough fluids. However, sugary drinks should be avoided to reduce the risk of further complications.