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Black patients, elderly have greater risk for hypoglycemia hospitalization
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CHICAGO — Black patients and the elderly have a greater risk for being admitted to the hospital for hypoglycemia, according to researchers here at the ADA Scientific Sessions.
“From 1999 to 2010, there has been an increase by 35% in self-reported diabetes. There is increased attention on how to manage this population. Of course, we focus on glycemic control in order to reduce hyperglycemic emergencies and long-term complications,” Kasia J. Lipska, MD, MHS, of Yale School of Medicine, said during an oral session here.
The researchers examined fluctuations in the admission rates for a principal discharge diagnosis of hyperglycemia or diabetes-related hypoglycemia among patients aged ≥65 years. All patients were on Medicare’s fee-for-service plan.
“From 1999 to 2011 we looked at nearly 34 million beneficiaries with nearly 250 million patient-years of observation,” Lipska said.
Results indicate a 39.5% decrease in the rate of hyperglycemia admission (114 to 69 per 100,000 person-years) from 1999 to 2010. However, rates of hypoglycemia admissions increased by 22.3% (94 to 115 per 100,000 person-years).
Among the oldest patients (aged ≥ 85 years) the rate of hypoglycemia was twofold higher than the rate among younger patients (aged 65 to 74 years). Additionally, the admission rates increased fourfold among blacks compared with whites, according to data.
“Continued efforts to reduce hypoglycemia are needed, particularly among black and oldest patients. An assessment of adverse effects of treatment, such as hypoglycemia, is important to fully understand the impact of treatment strategies,” Lipska concluded.
For more information:
Lipska KJ. #274-OR. Presented at: ADA Scientific Sessions; June 21-25, 2013; Chicago.
Disclosure: Lipska reports no relevant financial disclosures.