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.

Sudden Death in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Complicated by Sickle Cell Trait.

ABSTRACT: In a sudden death investigation of a service member with sickle cell trait (SCT), evidence of sickle cell crisis further complicated by coexisting, undiagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis called into question the synergistic effects of diabetic ketoacidosis on red blood cell sickling. Sickle cell trait affects more than 4 million people in the United States (US) with the highest prevalence in non-Hispanic Blacks (7%-9%; Mil Med 2017;182(3):e1819-e1824). The heterozygous state of sickled hemoglobin was previously considered a benign condition causing sickling during hypoxic, high-stress conditions such as exercise and high altitude ( Am Assoc Clin Chem 2017). However, research within the last decade shows evidence of sudden death among SCT patients ( J Forensic Sci 2011;56(5):1352-1360). It has been shown that the presence of sickled hemoglobin artificially lowers levels of hemoglobin A1c making it a less effective biomarker for red blood cell glycosylation over time in sickle cell patients ( JAMA 2017;317(5):507-515). The limited scope of medical understanding of the effects of SCT in combination with other comorbidities requires further investigation and better diagnostic criteria. The uniqueness of the US Military and its screening program for sickle cell disease (SCD) and SCT allows for more detection. Since May 2006, newborn screening for SCD/SCT has been a national requirement; however, anyone older than 14 years may not know their SCD/SCT status ( Semin Perinatol 2010;34(2):134-44). The previous absence of such national screening makes it more challenging to identify SCT and SCD patients even within high-risk populations. Furthermore, patients may not know or understand the results of their SCD/SCT status testing. International standards for the autopsy of decedents with SCD and SCT exist ( R Coll Pathol 2017). Within the US, testing of vitreous electrolytes is a common practice in suspected natural death cases, but a review of the US literature did not demonstrate any autopsy standards or recommendations for persons with SCT or high-risk persons for sickling pathologies. The identification of a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as the cause of death, is not uncommon; however, this case indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus was not the sole contributing factor. It further illustrates that the US may be underestimating the impact of SCD and SCT as a cause of death, a contributing factor to death, and its synergistic effects with other pathologic processes. We propose a stringent literature review in conjunction with a review of international autopsy standards to develop national autopsy standards and possible SCT/SCD screening recommendations for high-risk persons at the time of autopsy.

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.

Rate and Predictors of 30-day Readmission Following Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A US Analysis.

CONTEXT: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious endocrine emergency, associated with morbidity and mortality. Readmissions play a significant but sometimes preventable role in healthcare cost burden on the US. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe rates and characteristics of nonelective 30-day readmission among adult patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) hospitalized for DKA and also identify predictors of readmission. METHODS: The study analyzed the 2018 Nationwide Readmission Database. DKA hospitalizations in patients with T1DM were classified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We utilized chi-squared tests to compare baseline characteristics between readmissions and index hospitalizations. Multivariable Cox regression was employed to identify independent predictors of readmission. Following this, we developed a 30-day readmission risk scoring system based on independent predictors. RESULTS: The 30-day all-cause readmission rate for DKA was 19.4%. A majority of patients (64.8%) had DKA as the principal diagnosis on readmission. Readmitted patients had a significantly higher mean age (35.3 vs 34.9 years, P = .018) and a higher proportion of females (52.8 vs 49.6%, P < .001) than the index admission. Readmission following DKA was associated with higher odds of inpatient mortality (0.69 vs 0.24%, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.99-4.06, P < .001). Independent predictors of 30-day all-cause readmission included female sex, index hospitalizations with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or greater, and being discharged against medical advice (AMA). CONCLUSION: The readmission rate for DKA in T1DM patients is high, and most patients have DKA as the principal diagnosis on readmission. A CCI equal to or greater than 3, hypertension, female sex, and being discharged AMA were significant predictors of readmission.

In-patient outcomes of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and concurrent protein energy malnutrition: A national database study from 2016 to 2017.

Introduction:Patients often present to the hospital with a well-known complication of diabetes mellitus, namely diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In this study, we assess the clinical outcomes of DKA hospitalizations with and without protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).Methods:This was a population-based, retrospective observational study using data gathered from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2016 and 2017. Hospitalizations of adults >/ = 18 years old with a principal diagnosis of DKA were obtained using ICD-10 codes and divided into groups based on a secondary diagnosis of PEM. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges (THC), and system-based complications.Results:Patients with PEM had a statistically significant difference in the adjusted odds for in-hospital mortality compared to patients without PEM (aOR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.20-2.49, p = 0.004). Patients with DKA and PEM had an increased risk of developing sepsis (aOR 2.99, 95% CI: 2.49-3.58, p < 0.001), septic shock (aOR 3.37, 95% CI: 2.31-4.91, p < 0.001), acute kidney failure (aOR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.17-1.37, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.83-2.73, p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (aOR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.43-2.54, p < 0.001), and pulmonary embolism (aOR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.42-3.94, p = 0.001). Patients with DKA and PEM also had an increased mean THC (aOR 19,200, 95% CI 16,000-22,400, p < 0.001) in US dollars and increased LOS (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.96-2.57, p < 0.001) in days when compared to patients without PEM.Conclusion:Patients hospitalized for DKA with a secondary diagnosis of PEM within the same admission had a statistically significantly higher in-hospital mortality.

Potassium Concentration in Initial Fluid Therapy and In-Hospital Mortality of Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

CONTEXT: Guidelines worldwide recommend potassium replacement of 10 to 40 mmol/L in the initial fluid therapy for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. However, evidence is lacking as to the association between infused potassium concentration and mortality. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the association between infused potassium concentration and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we retrospectively identified inpatients admitted for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis from July 2010 to March 2018. Patients with kidney dysfunction or serum potassium abnormalities were excluded. We evaluated the association of the potassium concentration in the total infused solutions in the first 2 days of hospitalization with 28-day in-hospital mortality using multivariable regression analysis with a cubic spline model. We also assessed the association between potassium concentration and occurrence of hyperkalemia. RESULTS: We identified 14 216 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and observed 261 deaths. The quartile cut-points for potassium concentration were 7.7, 11.4, and 16.1 mmol/L. Within the range of approximately 10 to 40 mmol/L, potassium concentration was not associated with occurrence of hyperkalemia or death. Lower potassium concentrations were associated with higher 28-day in-hospital mortality; the odds ratio for patients receiving 8 mmol/L was 1.69 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.78; reference: 20 mmol/L), and the odds ratio increased monotonically as potassium concentration decreased further. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving potassium replacement at concentrations of 10 to 40 mmol/L had similar in-hospital mortality rates, whereas lower concentrations were associated with higher mortality.

Clinical profiles of hyperglycemic crises: A single-center retrospective study from Japan.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to clarify the pathophysiologies of hyperglycemic crises in Japanese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with hyperglycemic crises admitted to Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto, Japan, between 2012 and 2019. Patients were classified as having diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmotic syndrome (HHS) or a mixed state of the two conditions (MIX), and laboratory data and levels of consciousness at hospital admission, as well as the rates of mortality and coagulation disorders, were compared. RESULTS: The diagnostic criteria for hyperglycemic crisis were met in 144 cases, comprising 87 (60.4%), 38 (26.4%) and 19 (13.2%) cases of DKA, HHS and MIX, respectively. Type 1 diabetes was noted in 46.0 and 26.3% of patients in the DKA and MIX groups, respectively. Fibrin degradation product and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the HHS group than in the DKA group (DKA and HHS groups: fibrin degradation product 7.94 ± 8.43 and 35.54 ± 51.80 µg/mL, respectively, P < 0.01; D-dimer 2.830 ± 2.745 and 14.846 ± 21.430 µg/mL, respectively, P < 0.01). Mortality rates were 5.7, 13.2 and 5.3% in the DKA, HHS and MIX groups, respectively. Seven patients (4.9%), four of whom were in the MIX group, had acute arterial occlusive diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of type 1 diabetes in DKA and MIX might be responsible for reduced insulin secretion in Japanese populations. Patients with hyperglycemic crises have increased coagulability, and acute arterial occlusion needs to be considered, particularly in MIX.

Factors affecting in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacidosis patients: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: With advances in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), its rate of in-hospital mortality has declined. However, the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with DKA remain to be elucidated. METHODS: Using a Japanese national inpatient database from 01 July 2010 to 31 March 2018, we performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality of DKA patients. RESULTS: We identified 25,627 DKA patients and 839 (3.3%) in-hospital deaths. Factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality included higher Charlson comorbidity index (≥4) (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% confidence interval, 2.30-4.96; p < 0.001), sepsis (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 2.38-4.00; p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 2.09-3.41; p < 0.001), and obesity (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 2.05-3.07; p < 0.001). Other factors positively associated with in-hospital mortality included male sex, age ≥ 60 years, consciousness disturbance, lower activities of daily living score at admission, admission requiring ambulance, and admission at non-academic hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings may help clinicians to identify DKA patients at higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

Clinical profiles, outcomes and risk factors among type 2 diabetic inpatients with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state: a hospital-based analysis over a 6-year period.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the two most common hyperglycemic emergencies (HEs) associated with diabetes mellitus. Individuals with HEs can present with combined features of DKA and HHS. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical characteristics, therapeutic outcomes, and associated predisposing factors of type 2 diabetic patients with isolated or combined HEs in China. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), complicated with DKA, HHS, or DKA combined with HHS (DKA-HHS) in Shanghai Tongji Hospital, China from 2010 to 2015. Admission clinical features, therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of those patients were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 158 patients with T2DM, 65 (41.1%) patients were DKA, 74 (46.8%) were HHS, and 19 (12.0%) were DKA-HHS. The most common precipitants were infections (111, 70.3%), newly diagnosed diabetes (28,17.7%) and non-compliance to medications (9, 5.7%). DKA patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe group, based on arterial blood gas. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that C-reaction protein (CRP) was positively correlated with severity of DKA, whereas age and fasting C peptide were inversely correlated with severity of DKA (P < 0.05). The mortality was 10.8% (17/158) in total and 21.6% (16/74) in the HHS group, 5.9% (1/17) in DKA-HHS. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that death in patients with HHS was positively correlated to effective plasma osmolality (EPO), renal function indicators and hepatic enzymes, while inversely associated with the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Logistic regression analysis suggested that elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) on admission was an independent predisposing factor of mortality in HHS, while CSII might be a protective factor for patients with HHS. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that BUN had the largest area under the ROC curves for predicting death in patients with HHS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed elevated CRP and decreased fasting C-peptide might serve as indicator for severe DKA. Elevated BUN might be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HHS, whereas CSII might be a protective factor against death in HHS.

Outcomes of Children and Adolescents Admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, major, life-threatening complication that mainly occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and is the foremost cause of death in these children. Overall mortality in children with DKA varies from 3.4% to 13.4% in developing countries. There is a need to understand outcomes among children with DKA in sub-Saharan African countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the death rate and clinical outcomes of children and adolescents aged 0-18 years managed for DKA at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Study Methods. This was a retrospective study carried out among children aged 0-18 years admitted with DKA at KNH between February 2013 and February 2018. The study site was the central records department at KNH. The inclusion criteria were children aged 0-18 years admitted with a diagnosis of DKA based on the ISPAD guidelines biochemical criteria. RESULTS: Out of the 159 files reviewed, the median age of children was 13 years (IQR 10-15). 41.1% of patients had severe DKA while 35.7% had moderate DKA. We reported a mortality of 6.9% while 93.1% of children recovered and were discharged home. The median duration of hospital stay was 8 days. High risk of mortality was reported among children who had high serum creatinine (OR 5.8 (95% CI 1.6-21.2)), decreased urine output (OR 9.0 (95% CI 2.2-37.3)), and altered level of consciousness (OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.1-25.1)). CONCLUSION: DKA-associated mortality in our study was low at 6.9%. High serum creatinine, decreased urine output, and altered level of consciousness were associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality.

Diabetic ketoacidosis: A consensus statement of the Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italian Society of Endocrinology and Pediatric Diabetoloy (SIEDP).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious medical emergency once considered typical of type 1 diabetes (T1DM), but now reported to occur in type 2 and GDM patients as well. DKA can cause severe complications and even prove fatal. The aim of our study was to review recent international and national guidelines on diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, to provide practical clinical recommendations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE (via PUB Med), Scopus, Cochrane library were searched for relevant literature. Most international and national guidelines indicate the same accurate flow chart to diagnose, to evaluate from clinical and laboratory point of view, and treat diabetic ketoacidosis. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis, rapid execution of laboratory analysis and correct treatment are imperative to reduce the mortality related to diabetic ketoacidosis. These recommendations are designed to help healthcare professionals reduce the frequency and burden of DKA.

Clinical characteristics and outcome in patients with combined diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state associated with COVID-19: A retrospective, hospital-based observational case series.

AIM: One of the risk factors for poor outcome with SARS-CoV-2 infection is diabetes mellitus; diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients presenting with combined DKA/HHS to our institution. METHODS: A retrospective, hospital based observation case series was performed on patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to Intensive Care Unit between 3/20/2020 and 4/20/2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Blood Glucose >250 mg/dL; (2) Serum bicarbonate <18 mmol/L; (3) Anion Gap >10; (4) serum pH <7.3; (5) ketonemia or ketonuria; (6) effective/calculated plasma osmolality >304 mOsm/kg and (7) positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. RESULTS: We reported 6 patients who presented during this period with combined DKA/HHS. Their median age was 50 years, all males, three Hispanic, and three African American. Hispanic patients, had more severe acidosis, and multiple comorbidities, with a higher mortality. The striking feature was that combined DKA/HHS was the initial presentation for COVID-19 for most of the cases. DISCUSSION: Our observational retrospective case series shows that diabetic patients are at risk of developing combined DKA/ HHS associated with COVID-19 and a substantial mortality. To our knowledge, we are first to report the clinical characteristics and outcome in this group of patients.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in COVID-19: Unique Concerns and Considerations.

CONTEXT: While individuals with diabetes appear to be at similar risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection to those without diabetes, they are more likely to suffer severe consequences, including death. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common and potentially lethal acute complication of diabetes arising from a relative insulin deficiency, which occurs more often in those with type 1 diabetes and in the setting of moderate to severe illness. Early reports indicate that among patients with pre-existing diabetes, DKA may be a common complication of severe COVID-19 and a poor prognostic sign. CASE DESCRIPTION: This clinical perspective explores the key elements of caring for individuals with DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic through 2 cases. Topics addressed include diagnosis, triage, and the fundamental principles of treatment with a focus on the importance of characterizing DKA severity and medical complexity to determine the best approach. CONCLUSIONS: As discussed, some tenets of DKA management may require flexibility in the setting of COVID-19 due to important public health goals, such as preventing transmission to highest risk individuals, reducing healthcare worker exposure to infected patients, and preserving personal protective equipment. Evidence for alternative treatment strategies is explored, with special attention placed on treatment options that may be more relevant during the pandemic, including use of subcutaneous insulin therapy. Finally, DKA is often a preventable condition. We include evidence-based strategies and guidance designed to empower clinicians and patients to avoid this serious complication when possible.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with end-stage renal disease hospitalized with diabetes ketoacidosis.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited evidence to guide management in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis admitted with diabetes ketoacidosis. Thus, we investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ESRD admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). METHODS: In this observational study, we used International Classification of Diseases Ninth/Tenth Revision codes to identify adult (aged 18-80 years) patients admitted to Emory University Hospitals between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. DKA and ESRD diagnoses were confirmed by reviewing medical records and by admission laboratory results. RESULTS: Among 307 patients with DKA meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22.1% (n: 68) had ESRD on hemodialysis and 77.9% (n: 239) had preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Compared with patients with preserved renal function, the admission blood glucose was higher (804.5±362.6 mg/dL vs 472.5±137.7 mg/dL) and the mean hemoglobin A1c was lower (9.6%±2.1 vs 12.0%±2.5) in patients with DKA and ESRD, both p<0.001. The rates of hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL (34% vs 14%, p=0.002) and <54 mg/dL (13% vs 5%, p=0.04) were higher in the ESRD group. During hospitalization, more patients with ESRD develop volume overload (28% vs 3%, p<0.001) and require mechanical ventilation (24% vs 3%, p=<0.001). There were no differences in hospital mortality (3% vs 0%, p=0.21), but length of stay (median 7.0 vs 3.0 days, p<0.001) was longer in the ESRD cohort. After adjusting for multiple covariates, patients with DKA and ESRD have higher odds of hypoglycemia (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.51 to 7.21, p=0.003) and volume overload (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.37 to 13.05, p=0.01) compared with patients with DKA with preserved renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DKA and ESRD on chronic hemodialysis had worse clinical outcomes including higher rates of hypoglycemia, volume overload, need for mechanical ventilation and longer length of stay, compared with patients with preserved kidney function.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: Much of the research previously done on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was based on a young population with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM). But substantial numbers of DKA episodes occur in patients with a prior history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). There is a lack of Data are lacking about DKA in older adults. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of older adult patients with DKA. DESIGN: Retrospective matched cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with DKA between 2004 and 2017. SETTING: Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er Sheva, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: The clinical characteristics of DKA patients 65 years and older were compared with patients younger than 65 years. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The study cohort included 385 consecutive patients for whom the admission diagnosis was DKA: 307 patients (79.7%) younger than 65 years (group 1), and 78 patients (20.3%) older than 65 years (group 2). Patients in group 2 compared with group 1 had a significantly higher Charlson index (6 [6-6] vs 6 [6-7]; P < .0001) and DM with target organ damage (24.4% vs 6.2%; P < .0001). Patients in group 2 compared with group 1 had more serious disease according to results of laboratory investigations. The total in-hospital mortality rate of patients in group 2 was 16.7% compared with 1.6% in patients in group 1 in a sex and co-morbidities matched analysis (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: DKA in older adults is a common problem. The serious co-morbidities and precipitating factors such as infection/sepsis, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accidents, may explain the severity of the problem of DKA in older adults and the high rate of mortality of these patients. DKA appears to be a lifethreatening condition in older adults. The alertness of physicians to DKA in older adults, timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and prevention are cornerstones of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1256-1261, 2020.

Effect of Chronic Pancreatitis on Complications and Mortality in DM Patients: A 10-year Nationwide Cohort Study.

CONTEXT: Chronic pancreatitis (CP), is a long-term inflammation of the pancreatic parenchyma, and might increase risk of a hyperglycemia crisis or hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM); however, the relationship has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), hypoglycemia, and long-term outcomes in DM patients with CP. DESIGN: A population-based cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Tapping Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 506 DM patients with newly diagnosed CP from 1999 to 2010 and created a control cohort consisting of 5060 age- and sex-matched DM patients without CP from the same time period. We followed those 2 cohorts from the index date to occurrence of outcomes, the date of death or 31 December 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: DKA, HHS, hypoglycemia and mortality. RESULTS: DM patients with CP, who were predominantly male (88%) and younger (60% < 45 years old), had a 9.5-, 5.0-, and 3.0-fold higher risk for DKA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.51-13.91), HHS (95% CI: 2.85-8.62), and hypoglycemia (95% CI: 2.23-4.08), respectively. They also had lower 1-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative survival rates (98.4% vs 99.0%, 87.7% vs 96.6%, and 78.7% vs 93.6%, respectively) (log-rank test: P < .001), and a 2.43-fold higher risk for death (HR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.82-3.27). CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, DM patients with CP have a higher incidence of DKA, HHS, hypoglycemia, and mortality. More attention is needed for preventing hyperglycemia crisis and hypoglycemia prevention in this population.