This hyperglycemia sodium correction calculator estimates the corrected Na level in mEq/L based on glucose and Na measured levels. You can read more on the medical implications, check and example calculation and discover the formula used below the form.
How does this sodium correction in hyperglycemia calculator work?
This health tool computes the corrected sodium value when this value is accompanied by high glucose levels, therefore hyperglycemia. This is based on the Katz formula from 1973 where the sodium correction factor is 1.6 mEq/L.
This sodium correction in hyperglycemia calculator requires two important patient data in order to work: the sodium measured value in mEq/L and glucose value that you can input in either mg/dL or mmol/L (or any unit form the list provided). The formula used is the following:
Na = Sodium measured value + 0.016 * (Glucose value - 100)
Example calculation
Considering the case of a patient with sodium measured value of 138 mEq/L and glucose value of 195 mg/dL. This calculator will display an Estimated Na = 139.52 mEq/L.
Sodium correction in hyperglycemia
Due to the metabolic reactions accompanied by the glucose in the bloodstream, there are certain effects on Na levels that need to be taken in consideration when analyzing test results in patients diagnosed with hyperglycemia in order to avoid confusions with hyponatremia.
The result of a blood test for serum Na might be modified by preexisting high glucose levels and therefore needs to be corrected to reflect the real situation in the body.
When hyperglycemia registers, ECF osmolality rises above that of ICF and glucose enters the cell displacing water into the ECF. This translates in a depletion of cellular water and a serum Na concentration falling in proportion to the ECF dilution. This decrease is said to be of 1.6 mEq/L for every 100 mg/dL increase in plasma glucose levels above normal.
Therefore hyperglycemia is often accompanied by this translational hyponatremia. This is not the classic hyponatremia because there was no real change in the total body water. Once the glucose levels are lowered, either by the natural insulin mechanism or by intervention, the Na levels are ought to return to normal.
Reference
Katz MA. (1973) Hyperglycemia-induced hyponatremia--calculation of expected serum sodium depression. N Engl J Med; 18;289(16):843-4.
23 May, 2015