A UK nationwide study of adults admitted to hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state and COVID-19.

AIMS: To investigate characteristics of people hospitalized with coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), and to identify risk factors for mortality and intensive care admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with anonymized data from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists nationwide audit of hospital admissions with COVID-19 and diabetes, from start of pandemic to November 2021. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. DKA and HHS were adjudicated against national criteria. Age-adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 85 confirmed DKA cases, and 20 HHS, occurred among 4073 people (211 type 1 diabetes, 3748 type 2 diabetes, 114 unknown type) hospitalized with COVID-19. Mean (SD) age was 60 (18.2) years in DKA and 74 (11.8) years in HHS (p < .001). A higher proportion of patients with HHS than with DKA were of non-White ethnicity (71.4% vs 39.0% p = .038). Mortality in DKA was 36.8% (n = 57) and 3.8% (n = 26) in type 2 and type 1 diabetes respectively. Among people with type 2 diabetes and DKA, mortality was lower in insulin users compared with non-users [21.4% vs. 52.2%; age-adjusted odds ratio 0.13 (95% CI 0.03-0.60)]. Crude mortality was lower in DKA than HHS (25.9% vs. 65.0%, p = .001) and in statin users versus non-users (36.4% vs. 100%; p = .035) but these were not statistically significant after age adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization with COVID-19 and adjudicated DKA is four times more common than HHS but both associate with substantial mortality. There is a strong association of previous insulin therapy with survival in type 2 diabetes-associated DKA.

Risk Factors for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the risk factors for the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) compared with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We used the national Kids' Inpatient Database to identify pediatric admissions for DKA and HHS among those with T2D in the years 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2019. Admissions were identified using ICD codes. Those aged <9yo were excluded. We used descriptive statistics to summarize baseline characteristics and Chi-squared test and logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with admission for HHS compared with DKA in unadjusted and adjusted models. Results: We found 8,961 admissions for hyperglycemic emergencies in youth with T2D, of which 6% were due to HHS and 94% were for DKA. These admissions occurred mostly in youth 17-20 years old (64%) who were non-White (Black 31%, Hispanic 20%), with public insurance (49%) and from the lowest income quartile (42%). In adjusted models, there were increased odds for HHS compared to DKA in males (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.42-2.21) and those of Black race compared to those of White race (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.34-2.44). Admissions for HHS had 11.3-fold higher odds for major or extreme severity of illness and 5.0-fold higher odds for mortality. Conclusion: While DKA represents the most admissions for hyperglycemic emergencies among pediatric T2D, those admitted for HHS had higher severity of illness and mortality. Male gender and Black race were associated with HHS admission compared to DKA. Additional studies are needed to understand the drivers of these risk factors.

Time trend in excess mortality in children with type 1 diabetes from 1987 to 2016 in mainland France.

BACKGROUND: Mortality risk for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown in France and their causes of death are not well documented. AIM: To determine the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and causes of death in children aged 1-14 years with T1D from 1987 to 2016. METHODS: The French Center for Epidemiology on Medical Causes of Death collected all death certificates in mainland France. SMRs, corrected SMRs (accounting for missing cases of deaths unrelated to diabetes), and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of 146 deaths with the contribution of diabetes, 97 were due to T1D. Mean age at death of the subjects with T1D was 8.8 ± 4.1 years (54% males). The cause of death was diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in 58% of the cases (70% in subjects 1-4 years), hypoglycemia or dead-in-bed syndrome in 4%, related to diabetes but not described in 24%, and unrelated to diabetes in 14%. The SMRs showed a significant decrease across the years, except for the 1-4 age group. In the last decade (2007-2016), the crude and corrected SMRs were significantly different from 1 in the 1-4 age group (5.4 [2.3; 10.7] and 6.1 [2.8; 11.5]), no longer significant in the 5-9 age group (1.7 [0.6; 4.0] and 2.1 [0.8; 4.5]) and borderline significant in the 10-14 age group (1.7 [0.8; 3.2] and 2.3 [1.2; 4.0]). CONCLUSIONS: Children with T1D aged 1-4 years still had a high mortality rate. Their needs for early recognition and safe management of diabetes are not being met.

What Is the Optimal Speed of correction of the Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Diabetic Ketoacidosis? An Observational Cohort Study of U.S. Intensive Care Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The international guidelines for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) advise against rapid changes in osmolarity and glucose; however, the optimal rates of correction are unknown. We aimed to evaluate the rates of change in tonicity and glucose level in intensive care patients with DKA and their relationship with mortality and altered mental status. METHODS: This is an observational cohort study using 2 publicly available databases of U.S. intensive care patients (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV and Electronic Intensive Care Unit), evaluating adults with DKA and associated hyperosmolarity (baseline Osm ≥300 mOsm/L). The primary outcome was hospital mortality. The secondary neurologic outcome used a composite of diagnosed cerebral edema or Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤12. Multivariable regression models were used to control for confounding factors. RESULTS: On adjusted analysis, patients who underwent the most rapid correction of up to approximately 3 mmol/L/hour in tonicity had reduced mortality (n = 2307; odds ratio [OR], 0.21; overall P < .001) and adverse neurologic outcomes (OR, 0.44; P < .001). Faster correction of glucose levels up to 5 mmol/L/hour (90 mg/dL/hour) was associated with improvements in mortality (n = 2361; OR, 0.24; P = .020) and adverse neurologic events (OR, 0.52; P = .046). The number of patients corrected significantly faster than these rates was low. A maximal hourly rate of correction between 2 and 5 mmol/L for tonicity was associated with the lowest mortality rate on adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: Based on large-volume observational data, relatively rapid correction of tonicity and glucose level was associated with lower mortality and more favorable neurologic outcomes. Avoiding a maximum hourly rate of correction of tonicity >5 mmol/L may be advisable.

Managing People with Diabetes Fasting for Ramadan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A South Asian Health Foundation Update.

The month of Ramadan forms one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. Adult Muslims are obligated to keep daily fasts from dawn to sunset, with exceptions. This year Ramadan is due to begin on 23 April 2020 and the longest fast in the UK will be approximately 18 hours in length. In addition, due to the often high-calorie meals eaten to break the fast, Ramadan should be seen as a cycle of fasting and feasting. Ramadan fasting can impact those with diabetes, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and dehydration. This year, Ramadan will occur during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Reports show that diabetes appears to be a risk factor for more severe disease with COVID-19. In addition, the UK experience has shown diabetes and COVID-19 is associated with dehydration, starvation ketosis, diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state. This makes fasting in Ramadan particularly challenging for those Muslims with diabetes. Here, we discuss the implications of fasting in Ramadan during the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations for those with diabetes who wish to fast.

A standard set of person-centred outcomes for diabetes mellitus: results of an international and unified approach.

AIMS: To select a core list of standard outcomes for diabetes to be routinely applied internationally, including patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a structured systematic review of outcome measures, focusing on adults with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This process was followed by a consensus-driven modified Delphi panel, including a multidisciplinary group of academics, health professionals and people with diabetes. External feedback to validate the set of outcome measures was sought from people with diabetes and health professionals. RESULTS: The panel identified an essential set of clinical outcomes related to diabetes control, acute events, chronic complications, health service utilisation, and survival that can be measured using routine administrative data and/or clinical records. Three instruments were recommended for annual measurement of patient-reported outcome measures: the WHO Well-Being Index for psychological well-being; the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression; and the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale for diabetes distress. A range of factors related to demographic, diagnostic profile, lifestyle, social support and treatment of diabetes were also identified for case-mix adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the standard set identified in this study for use in routine practice to monitor, benchmark and improve diabetes care. The inclusion of patient-reported outcomes enables people living with diabetes to report directly on their condition in a structured way.

Mortality Due to Hyperglycemic Crises in the US, 1999-2022.

This study analyzes trends in US mortality attributed to both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state from 1999-2022.

Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Hyperosmolarity: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Studies of hyperglycemic emergencies with hyperosmolality, including hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and "mixed presentation" with features of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and HHS, are lacking in children. Objectives were to determine the incidence of DKA, HHS, and mixed presentation in a pediatric population, to characterize complications, and to assess accuracy of associated diagnosis codes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 411 hyperglycemic emergencies in pediatric patients hospitalized between 2009 and 2014. Hyperglycemic emergency type was determined by biochemical criteria and compared to the associated diagnosis code. RESULTS: Hyperglycemic emergencies included: 333 DKA, 54 mixed presentation, and 3 HHS. Altered mental status occurred more frequently in hyperosmolar events ( P<.0001), and patients with hyperosmolarity had 3.7-fold greater odds of developing complications compared to those with DKA ( P = .0187). Of those with DKA, 98.5% were coded correctly. The majority (81.5%) of mixed DKA-HHS events were coded incorrectly. Events coded incorrectly had 3.1-fold greater odds of a complication ( P = .02). CONCLUSION: A mixed DKA-HHS presentation occurred in 13.8% of characterized hyperglycemic emergencies, whereas HHS remained a rare diagnosis (0.8%) in pediatrics. Hyperosmolar events had higher rates of complications. As treatment of hyperosmolarity differs from DKA, its recognition is essential for appropriate management. ABBREVIATIONS: AMS = altered mental status; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; EMR = electronic medical record; HHS = hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state; ICD-9 = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision; ISPAD = International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes; NODM = new-onset diabetes mellitus; T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Clinical profile of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in Japan: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) are life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus. Their clinical profiles have not been fully investigated. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in 21 acute care hospitals in Japan. Patients included were adults aged 18 or older who had been hospitalized from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 due to DKA or HHS. The data were extracted from patient medical records. A four-group comparison (mild DKA, moderate DKA, severe DKA, and HHS) was performed to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 771 patients including 545 patients with DKA and 226 patients with HHS were identified during the study period. The major precipitating factors of disease episodes were poor medication compliance, infectious diseases, and excessive drinking of sugar-sweetened beverages. The median hospital stay was 16 days [IQR 10-26 days]. The intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate was 44.4% (mean) and the rate at each hospital ranged from 0 to 100%. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8% in patients with DKA and 7.1% in the HHS group. No significant difference in mortality was seen among the three DKA groups. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate of patients with DKA in Japan is similar to other studies, while that of HHS was lower. The ICU admission rate varied among institutions. There was no significant association between the severity of DKA and mortality in the study population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the UMIN clinical Trial Registration System (UMIN000025393, Registered 23th December 2016).

Combined hyperglycemic crises in adult patients already exist in Latin America / Las crisis hiperglucémicas combinadas en pacientes adultos ya existen en Latinoamérica

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases worldwide, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Its prevalence has been increasing, as well as its acute complications, such as hyperglycemic crises. Hyperglycemic crises can present with combined features of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar state. However, their implications are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics, outcomes, and complications of the diabetic population with hyperglycemic crises and to value the combined state in the Latin American population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of all hyperglycemic crises treated in the intensive care unit of the Fundación Valle del Lili between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. Descriptive analysis and prevalence ratio estimation for deaths were performed using the robust Poisson regression method. RESULTS: There were 317 patients with confirmed hyperglycemic crises, 43 (13.56%) with diabetic ketoacidosis, 9 (2.83%) in hyperosmolar state, and 265 (83.59%) with combined diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar state. Infection was the most frequent triggering cause (52.52%). Fatalities due to ketoacidosis occurred in four patients (9.30%) and combined diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar state in 22 patients (8.30%); no patient had a hyperosmolar state. Mechanical ventilation was associated with death occurrence (adjusted PR = 1.15; 95 % CI 95 = 1.06 - 1.24). CONCLUSIONS: The combined state was the most prevalent presentation of the hyperglycemic crisis, with a mortality rate similar to diabetic ketoacidosis. Invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with a higher occurrence of death.

Introducción. La diabetes mellitus es una de las enfermedades más frecuentes en todo el mundo, con una tasa elevada de morbimortalidad. Su prevalencia ha ido en aumento y, también, sus complicaciones agudas, como las crisis hiperglucémicas. Las crisis hiperglucémicas pueden presentar características combinadas de cetoacidosis diabética y estado hiperosmolar. Aún no se conocen completamente sus implicaciones. Objetivo. Describir las características, los resultados y las complicaciones de la población diabética con crisis hiperglucémicas, y valorar el estado mixto en la población latinoamericana. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con crisis hiperglucémicas atendidos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de la Fundación Valle del Lili, entre el 1º de enero de 2015 y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y se estimó la razón de prevalencia para muerte mediante el método de regresión de Poisson. Resultados. Se incluyeron 317 pacientes con crisis hiperglucémica confirmada, 43 (13,56 %) con cetoacidosis diabética, 9 (2,83 %) en estado hiperosmolar y 265 (83,59 %) en estado mixto. La causa desencadenante más frecuente fue la infección (52,52 %). Cuatro pacientes fallecieron por cetoacidosis (9,30 %), 22 (8,30 %), por un estado mixto; ninguno se encontraba en estado hiperosmolar. La asistencia respiratoria mecánica se asoció con la muerte (razón de prevalencia ajustada = 1,15; IC95%: 1,06-1,24). Conclusiones. El estado combinado fue la presentación más prevalente de la crisis hiperglucémica, con una tasa de mortalidad similar a la de la cetoacidosis diabética, y la asistencia respiratoria mecánica invasiva se asoció con una mayor ocurrencia de muerte.

Inflammatory biomarkers predict higher risk of hyperglycemic crises but not outcomes in diabetic patients with COVID-19.

Background: Inflammation is a predictor of severe complications in patients with COVID-19 infection under a variety of clinical settings. A few studies suggested that COVID-19 infection was a trigger of hyperglycemic crises including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and/or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). However, the association between inflammation and hyperglycemic crises in diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection is unclear. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and COVID-19 infection from January 2023 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, especially inflammatory markers including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), c-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were collected and compared between patients with or without DKA and/or HHS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between inflammatory biomarkers and the prevalence of hyperglycemic crises. Patients were followed up 6 months for outcomes. Results: Among 124 diabetic patients with COVID-19, 9 were diagnosed with DKA or HHS. Comparing COVID-19 without acute diabetic complications (ADC), patients with DKA or HHS showed elevated levels of c-reactive protein (CRP, P=0.0312) and procalcitonin (PCT, P=0.0270). The power of CRP and PCT to discriminate DKA or HHS with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) were 0.723 and 0.794, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated 1.95-fold and 1.97-fold increased risk of DKA or HHS with 1-unit increment of CRP and PCT, respectively. However, neither CRP nor PCT could predict poor outcomes in diabetic patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: In this small sample size study, we firstly found that elevated serum CRP and PCT levels increased the risk of hyperglycemic crises in T2DM patients with COVID-19 infection. More study is needed to confirm our findings.

Trends in diabetic ketoacidosis- and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic, a notable increase in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), conditions that warrant emergent management, was reported. We aimed to investigate the trend of DKA- and HHS-related mortality and excess deaths during the pandemic. METHODS: Annual age-standardized mortality rates related to DKA and HHS between 2006 and 2021 were estimated using a nationwide database. Forecast analyses based on prepandemic data were conducted to predict the mortality rates during the pandemic. Excess mortality rates were calculated by comparing the observed versus predicted mortality rates. Subgroup analyses of demographic factors were performed. RESULTS: There were 71 575 DKA-related deaths and 8618 HHS-related deaths documented during 2006-2021. DKA, which showed a steady increase before the pandemic, demonstrated a pronounced excess mortality during the pandemic (36.91% in 2020 and 46.58% in 2021) with an annual percentage change (APC) of 29.4% (95% CI: 16.0%-44.0%). Although HHS incurred a downward trend during 2006-2019, the excess deaths in 2020 (40.60%) and 2021 (56.64%) were profound. Pediatric decedents exhibited the highest excess mortality. More than half of the excess deaths due to DKA were coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related (51.3% in 2020 and 63.4% in 2021), whereas only less than a quarter of excess deaths due to HHS were COVID-19 related. A widened racial/ethnic disparity was observed, and females exhibited higher excess mortality than males. CONCLUSIONS: The DKA- and HHS-related excess mortality during the pandemic and relevant disparities emphasize the urgent need for targeted strategies to mitigate the escalated risk in these populations during public health crises.

Epidemiology of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in children hospitalized in USA.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) in children are limited to case series or single-institution reviews, which describe HHS primarily in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and describe the epidemiologic characteristics of HHS among children in USA. SUBJECTS: All discharges in the Kids' Inpatient Database - a triennial, nationwide, stratified probability sample of hospital discharges for years 1997-2009 - with age 0-18 yr and a diagnosis of HHS. METHODS: Using sample weights, we calculated the incidence and population rate of hospitalization with a diagnosis of HHS. RESULTS: Our sample included 1074 HHS hospitalizations; of these, 42.9% were 16-18 yr, 70.6% had type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 53.0% had major or extreme severity of illness. The median length of stay was 2.6 d, 2.7% of hospitalizations ended in death, and median hospital charge was $10 882. When comparing HHS hospitalizations by diabetes type, the proportion with T1D fell steadily with age, from 89.1% among children 0-9 yr, to 65.1% in 16-18 yr olds. Patients with T1D had a shorter length of stay by 0.9 d, and had a lower median charge by $5311. There was no difference in mortality by diabetes type. Population rates for HHS hospitalization rose 52.4% from 2.1 to 3.2 per 1 000 000 children from 1997 to 2009. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations for a diagnosis of HHS have high morbidity and are increasing in incidence since 1997. In contrast to prior reports, we found a substantial percentage of HHS hospitalizations occurred among children with T1D.

Mind the gap: Measured and Calculated Osmolarity are Not Interchangeable in Diabetic Hyperglycemic Emergencies.

INTRODUCTION: Small case series have reported that diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with an elevated osmolar gap, while no previous studies have assessed the accuracy of calculated osmolarity in the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. The aim of this study was to characterize the magnitude of the osmolar gap in these conditions and assess whether this changes over time. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, two publicly available intensive care datasets were used: Medical Information Mart of Intensive Care IV and the eICU Collaborative Research Database. We identified adult admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis and the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state who had measured osmolality results available contemporaneously with sodium, urea and glucose values. Calculated osmolarity was derived using the formula 2Na + glucose + urea (all values in mmol/L). RESULTS: We identified 995 paired values for measured and calculated osmolarity from 547 admissions (321 diabetic ketoacidosis, 103 hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states and 123 mixed presentations). A wide variation in the osmolar gap was seen, including substantial elevations and low and negative values. There was a greater frequency of raised osmolar gaps at the start of the admission, which tends to normalize by around 12-24 h. Similar results were seen regardless of the admission diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The osmolar gap varies widely in diabetic ketoacidosis and the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and may be highly elevated, especially at admission. Clinicians should be aware that measured and calculated osmolarity values are not interchangeable in this population. These findings should be confirmed in a prospective study.

The silent diabetic decompensation epidemic during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic - The role of primary care in early diagnosis and prevention of severe diabetic decompensation.

AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Efficiency in controlling chronic diseases, especially in the primary care setting, is associated with reduced rates of hospitalizations. Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with severe diabetic decompensation, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). It is hypothesized that, in addition to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, there was a parallel increase in decompensation of previously controlled chronic diseases, such as diabetes. In this work, the impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic on hospitalizations for severe diabetic decompensation in a Portuguese hospital was assessed. METHODS: A retrospective study by hospital clinical file consultation was performed and a cohort of 177 patients admitted to a Portuguese hospital with a diagnosis of DKA or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state HHS, excluding SARS-CoV2 infected patients, between 2019 and 2020 was analysed. RESULTS: In the population not infected by SARS-CoV2, statistically significant differences were found in the relative number of hospitalizations (5.59 vs 3.79 hospitalizations for DKA/HHS per 1000 patients not infected with SARS-CoV2, p = 0.0093) and lethality due to DKA/HHS (0941 vs 0337 deaths from DKA/HHS per 1000 patients not infected with SARS-CoV2, p = 0.0251). This increase in hospitalizations and lethality was accompanied by a statistically significant increase in newly type 2 diabetes diagnosis in DKA/HHS hospital admissions (p = 0.0156) and by a statistically significant increase in average age of patients (56.3 ± 22.4 vs 69.1 ± 17.6, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These results show the empirical perspective that the consequences of the pandemic also had a considerable impact on the control of chronic diseases such as diabetes, with a higher percentage of hospitalizations due to severe decompensation, especially in the elderly population.

Predicting readmission due to severe hyperglycemia after a hyperglycemic crisis episode.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the readmission pattern and risk factors for patients who experienced a hyperglycemic crisis. METHODS: Patients admitted to MacKay Memorial Hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) between January 2016 and April 2019 were studied. The timing of the first readmission for hyperglycemia and other causes was recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare patients with hyperglycemia and all-cause readmissions. Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors for hyperglycemia and all-cause readmission post-discharge. RESULTS: The study cohort included 410 patients, and 15.3 % and 46.3 % of them had hyperglycemia and all-cause readmissions, respectively. The DKA and HHS group showed a similar incidence for hyperglycemia, with the latter group showing a higher incidence of all-cause readmissions. The significant predictors of hyperglycemia readmissions included young age, smoking, hypoglycemia, higher effective osmolality, and hyperthyroidism in the DKA group and higher glycated hemoglobin level in the HHS group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experienced DKA and HHS had similar hyperglycemia readmission rates; however, predictors in the DKA group were not applicable to the HHS group. Designing different strategies for different types of hyperglycemic crisis is necessary for preventing readmission.

Association between heat exposure and hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypoglycemia in Japan.

BACKGROUND: An increase in extreme heat events has been reported along with global warming. Heat exposure in ambient temperature is associated with all-cause diabetes mortality and all-cause hospitalization in diabetic patients. However, the association between heat exposure and hospitalization for hyperglycemic emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), and hypoglycemia is unclear. The objective of our study is to clarify the impact of heat exposure on the hospitalization for DKA, HHS, and hypoglycemia. METHODS: Data of daily hospitalizations for hyperglycemic emergencies (i.e., DKA or HHS) and hypoglycemia was extracted from a nationwide administrative database in Japan and linked with temperature in each prefecture in Japan during 2012-2019. We applied distributed lag non-linear model to evaluate the non-linear and lagged effects of heat exposure on hospitalization for hyperglycemic emergencies. RESULTS: The pooled relative risk for hyperglycemic emergencies of heat effect (the 90th percentile of temperature with reference to the 75th percentile of temperature) and extreme heat effect (the 99th percentile of temperature with reference to the 75th percentile of temperature) over 0-3 lag days was 1.27 (95 %CI: 1.16-1.39) and 1.64 (95 %CI: 1.38-1.93), respectively. The pooled relative risk for heat effect on hospitalization for hypoglycemia and extreme heat effect over 0-3 lag days was 1.33 (95 %CI: 1.17-1.52) and 1.65 (95 %CI: 1.29-2.10), respectively. These associations were consistent by type of hyperglycemic emergencies and type of diabetes and were generally consistent by regions. DISCUSSION: Heat exposure was associated with hospitalizations for DKA, HHS and hypoglycemia. These results may be useful to guide preventive actions for the risk of fatal hyperglycemic emergencies and hypoglycemia.

Profile and outcomes of patients admitted with hyperglycemic emergencies in the Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: hyperglycemic emergencies (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state) are the most common serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes which result in significant morbidity and mortality. There is paucity of data on hyperglycemic emergencies in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to investigate the precipitants and outcomes of patients admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies in the Buea Regional Hospital in the South West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: in this retrospective study the medical records of patients admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies between 2013 and 2016 in the medical unit of the Buea Regional Hospital were reviewed. We extracted data on demographic characteristics, admission clinical characteristics, precipitants, and treatment outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mortality. RESULTS: data were available for 60 patients (51.7% females) admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies. The mean age was 55.2±16.3 (range 18-86). Overall there were 51 (85%) cases of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Twenty six (43.3%) of the patients had hypertension. The most common precipitants of hyperglycemic emergencies were infections (41.7%), newly diagnosed diabetes (33.3%) and non-adherence to medications (33.3%). Mean admission blood glucose was 574mg/dl±70.0mg/dl. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Overall case fatality rate was 21.7%. Six (46.2%) deaths were related to infections. Predictors of mortality were a Glasgow coma score <13(p<0.001), a diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg (p=0.034) and a heart rate >90(0.057) on admission. CONCLUSION: admission for hyperglycemic emergencies in this semi-urban hospital is associated with abnormally high case fatality. Infections, newly diagnosed diabetes and non-adherence to medications are the commonest precipitants of hyperglycemic emergencies. Public health measures to reduce morbidity and mortality from hyperglycemic crisis are urgently needed.

A Complicated Case of COVID-19 and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome in an Adolescent Male.

Emerging data demonstrate that comorbid conditions and older age are contributing factors to COVID-19 severity in children. Studies involving youth with COVID-19 and diabetes are lacking. We report the case of a critically ill adolescent male with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and COVID-19 who presented with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). This case highlights a challenge for clinicians in distinguishing severe complications of COVID-19 from those seen in HHS. Youth with obesity and type 2 diabetes may represent a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 disease, an entity that to date has been well-recognized in adults but remains rare in children and adolescents.