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Hyperkalaemia in diabetes: prevalence and associations
P R Jarman1, A M Kehely, H M Mather
1Ealing Hospital, Southall, Middlesex, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Hyperkalaemia (high potassium) affects 15% of diabetic patients. This dangerous condition is more likely when using certain blood pressure medications, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in diabetes care.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Hyperkalaemia is a known complication in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Recent data on the prevalence and specific associations of hyperkalaemia in diabetic populations are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperkalaemia in patients attending a diabetic clinic.
- To identify potential associations and risk factors for hyperkalaemia in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Serum potassium levels were measured in 1764 patients over a 12-month period.
- Patients were stratified based on potassium concentrations (> 5.0 mmol/l and > 5.4 mmol/l).
- Exclusion criteria were applied to identify cases without other evident causes of hyperkalaemia.
Main Results:
- 15% (270/1764) of patients had serum potassium > 5.0 mmol/l.
- 4% (67/1764) of patients had serum potassium > 5.4 mmol/l.
- 41 of the 67 patients with potassium > 5.4 mmol/l had no other identifiable cause for hyperkalaemia.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic patients face a significant risk of developing dangerous hyperkalaemia.
- Concurrent use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics increases this risk.
- Regular monitoring of potassium levels is crucial for diabetic patients, especially those on specific medications.