Diseases and Conditions

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)

Risk factors

Doctors have some idea of what can increase your risk of the condition. Risk factors include:

  • Sex. Men are more likely to develop DISH.
  • Older age. DISH is most common in older adults, especially in people older than 50.
  • Diabetes and other conditions. People with type 2 diabetes might be more likely to develop DISH than are those who don't have diabetes. Other conditions that can raise insulin levels in your body may also increase your risk, including hyperinsulinemia, prediabetes and obesity.
  • Certain medications. Long-term use of medications called retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others), which are used to treat skin conditions such as acne, can increase your risk.