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Patients with Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) typically present with severe dehydration, tachycardia, and hypotension, all of which are consequences of the significant fluid loss that occurs due to osmotic diuresis from high blood glucose levels.

The classic symptoms of polyphagia (increased hunger), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyuria (increased urination) are also prominent as the body attempts to manage the high glucose concentrations in the blood. In this condition, the kidneys excrete large volumes of urine as they try to eliminate excess glucose, which leads to further dehydration and the compensatory mechanisms mentioned.

However, elevated sodium and carbon dioxide levels are not typical for HHNS. Instead, HHNS is characterized by high blood glucose levels, hyperosmolality, and dehydration without significant ketoacidosis, which is common in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This condition does not generally result in elevated carbon dioxide levels; rather, carbon dioxide levels may be normal or even decreased because there is no respiratory compensation occurring due to acidosis, as seen in ketotic states. Hypernatremia (elevated sodium) may occur due to dehydration but is not a defining