Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome and Steroid Diabetes

So-called steroid (glucocorticoids) diabetes developed in 11 (5.5%) of 202 patients receiving 216 renal allografts between December 1963 and June 1974. In three of the 11 patients, hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome was present at diagnosis; all of the three recovered. Eight of the 11 patients survived with functioning allografts, and only one of the eight requires insulin. Hyperglycemia has been detected in most transplant patients tested in the immediate postoperative period. Factors (including stress from surgery and treatment with drugs such as furosemide) predispose to this condition.