Common causes of admission in diabetics.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the causes of admissions of diabetic patients to the medical unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, mortality and risk factors, associated with high mortality, and to find out possible ways to reduce admissions, cost and mortality.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of diabetic admissions to the medical unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital between January 1996 to September 1999. Patients age, sex, body mass index, type and duration of diabetes mellitus, mode of treatment, degree of blood glucose control, presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were recorded as well as the causes of admissions and mortality.


RESULTS
A total of 5917 patients were admitted, 17% of them were diabetics. Admissions for blood glucose control and for macrovascular complications were found in 21% and 38%. Mortality rate was 13%. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, infection, poor glycemic control, long duration of diabetes mellitus and long hospital stay were risk factors associated with high mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Macrovascular complications and uncontrolled blood glucose were the most common causes of admissions. Control of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cessation of smoking and weight reduction will not only decrease the risk of macrovascular complications, but also in addition to patient's education for tight blood glucose control, will decrease the rate, cost and mortality of diabetic admissions.
Akbar
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DH
King Abdulaziz University Hospital, PO Box 18298, Jeddah 21415, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Gamdi
A A
AA
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003363:Cost Control; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000209:etiology; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D014600:Utilization Review