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.
Prince
Louise A
LA
Department of Emergency Medicine, The State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13159, USA.
Rodriquez
Elliot
E
Campagna
James
J
Brown
Lawrence
L
Fischer
Daisy
D
Grant
William D
WD
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