Hyperglycemia in ED patients with no history of diabetes.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of incidentally discovered hyperglycemia in patients with non-glucose-related complaints and to consider the potential care implications.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review identified patients older than 18 years with obtained serum glucose levels. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis were excluded. Three levels of hyperglycemia (> or = 126, > or = 140, and > or = 200 mg/dL) were considered.


RESULTS
Of 2473 adult patients, 290 patients (11.7%) had serum glucose values greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL. There were 154 patients with hyperglycemia and no prior history of diabetes (6.2% of the emergency department [ED] population, 53.1% of those with hyperglycemia).


CONCLUSIONS
More than half of the patients found to be hyperglycemic had no known history of diabetes and were being seen for a non-glucose-related complaint. The reason for this prevalence and its impact on the health of these patients is unclear. Whether ED intervention would be helpful remains unanswered.
Department of Emergency Medicine, The State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13159, USA.
Louise A
LA
Prince
Elliot
E
Rodriquez
James
J
Campagna
Lawrence
L
Brown
Daisy
D
Fischer
William D
WD
Grant
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D033162:Incidental Findings; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001786:Blood Glucose