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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffCertain factors raise your risk of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, such as:
- Having type 2 diabetes. Although people with type 1 diabetes can be affected, hyperosmolar syndrome is much more common in people with type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes and you don't monitor your blood sugar or you don't yet know you have type 2 diabetes, you have an even higher risk of hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Being middle-aged or older. If you're in these age groups you're more likely to develop diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Having another chronic health condition. Your risk of hyperosmolar syndrome is increased if you have another chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
- Having an infection. Having an illness, such as pneumonia or the flu, causes your blood sugar levels to rise and can increase your risk of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Taking certain medications. Some drugs — such as corticosteroids (prednisone), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone) and the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) — can increase your risk of developing hyperosmolar syndrome.
References
- Kitabchi AE, et al. Hyperglycemic crises in adult patients with diabetes (Consensus statement). Diabetes Care. 2009:32;1335.
- Masharani U. Diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=15524. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Masharani U, et al. Pancreatic hormones and diabetes mellitus. In: Gardner DG, et al. Greenspan's Basic and Clinical Endocrinology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2633151. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic.html. Accessed Jan. 29, 2010.
- Kitabchi AE, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Stoner, G. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. American Family Physician. 2005;71:1723.
- Standards of medical care in diabetes, 2010. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(suppl):11.
- Collazzo-Clavell ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 1, 2010.
- Rosenow E (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2010.
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