Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by hyperostosis of the axial as well as peripheral skeleton. Its association with diabetes mellitus type II and other metabolic disorders (an impaired lipid profile) has been known for a long time, although the context is not known yet. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, then the role of substances that are related to the growth hormones (GF) and mediated by insulin-like growth hormones (IGF) and theirs bindings proteins (IGFBP2, IGFBP3) seem to play an important role in this disease. Genetic factors (collagen type 6 gene COL6A1) could also represent a significant role in the etiology of DISH, such as suggested for a similar entity - ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

        Key words: DISH, hyperostosis, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, OPLL, COL6A1