Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis by internists and family physicians: a comparative study.

ABSTRACT

This study contrasts the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in a teaching hospital by internists and family physicians. Parameters studied included laboratory use and length of stay. The period of hospitalization was longer in the internal medicine program compared with the family practice group, 5.09 days and 4.60 days, respectively, a 10.65 percent increase. In addition, the total number of laboratory tests and x-ray procedures per patient and per hospital day were notably increased in the internal medicine group compared with the family practice group; 49.20 and 29.68, and 9.67 and 6.45, respectively, the former being a 65.77 percent increase and the latter being 49.92 percent higher. There were no deaths in either group. Serum glucose and urine spillage were comparable in both groups upon discharge.