Corrected Sodium Calculator
Adjust measured sodium for hyperglycemia to estimate true sodium status.
Enter measured sodium and glucose to calculate.
Why glucose lowers measured sodium
Glucose is osmotically active — when it’s high, water shifts out of cells into the bloodstream and dilutes the sodium. The classic correction adds 1.6 mEq/L for every 100 mg/dL of glucose above 100; some references use 2.4 when glucose exceeds 400 mg/dL, so corrected values in severe hyperglycemia may run higher than this estimate.
In DKA and HHS, the corrected sodium guides which IV fluid comes after the initial saline — a normal or high corrected value often prompts a switch to hypotonic fluids.
Educational use only. Fluid selection and sodium correction rates are provider decisions; verify against your lab’s reference ranges and facility DKA/HHS protocol. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.