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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.
- 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 a virus, 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
- McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=15524. Accessed March 11, 2012.
- Gardner DG, et al. Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8407307. Accessed March 8, 2012.
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic.html. Accessed March 11, 2012.
- Chaithongdi N, et al. Diagnosis and management of hyperglycemic emergencies. Hormones. 2011;10:250.
- Nyenwe EA, et al. Evidence-based management of hyperglycemic emergencies in diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2011;94:340.
- Living healthy with diabetes. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/seniors/living-healthy-with-diabetes.html. Accessed March 11, 2012.
- Collazo-Clavell ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 15, 2012.
- Keeping your family healthy. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/seniors/planning-for-a-healthy-life/keeping-your-family-healthy.html. Accessed March 21, 2012.
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