Common causes of admission in diabetics

Objective: To report on the causes of admissions of diabetic patients to th e medical unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, mortality and risk fa ctors, associated with high mortality, and to find out possible ways to red uce admissions, cost and mortality. Method: Retrospective analysis of diabetic admissions to the medical unit o f King Abdulaziz University Hospital between January 1996 to September 1999 . Patients age, sex, body mass index, type and duration of diabetes mellitu s, mode of treatment, degree of blood glucose control, presence of hyperten sion, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were recorded as well as the causes of ad missions 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 21% and 38%. Mortality rate was 13%. Hypertension, hyperlipidemi a, smoking, obesity, infection, poor glycemic control, long duration of dia betes mellitus and long hospital stay were risk factors associated with hig h mortality. Conclusion: Macrovascular complications and uncontrolled blood glucose were the most common causes of admissions. Control of hypertension, hyperlipide mia, cessation of smoking and weight reduction will not only decrease the r isk of macrovascular complications, but also in addition to patient's educa tion for tight blood glucose control, will decrease the rate, cost and mort ality of diabetic admissions.