Hyperosmolarity and acidosis in diabetes mellitus: a three-year experience in Rhode Island

Objectives:Diabetic acidosis (DA) and the diabetic hyperosmolar state (DHS) are generally considered to be two distinct clinical entities. However, clinical experience and the literature suggest that there may be some overlap. The purposes of this study were 1) to establish the proportion of overlap cases, 2) to identify any occurrence of DHS in diabetic patients under the age of 30 years (likely type I) and any occurrence of DA in diabetic patients over the age of 60 years (likely type II), 3) to describe clinical factors associated with the development of DA and DHS, and 4) to identify factors that influence the prognosis of DHS.