SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Unveiling Hypoglycemia in the Hospital: Exploring Risks and Outcomes of Hypoglycemia Among 54,500+ Hospitalized Patients

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This retrospective study examined electronic health record data from 54,558 adults with diabetes admitted to a large quaternary medical center between 2010 and 2021 to identify factors associated with inpatient hypoglycemia and assess its clinical and economic impact.<br /><br />Hypoglycemia was common: 17.9% of patients experienced moderate hypoglycemia (40–70 mg/dL) and 3.6% experienced severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL). Multiple factors were strongly associated with hypoglycemia, including type 1 diabetes, prior insulin use, inpatient basal or bolus insulin, ICU status, altered mental status, prior hypoglycemia admission, sepsis, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, hypoglycemia unawareness, and delayed first glucose check after admission. Some practices, such as sliding-scale insulin and enteral/parenteral nutrition, were associated with lower risk.<br /><br />Hypoglycemia was also linked to worse outcomes. Patients with moderate or severe hypoglycemia had higher odds of 30-day readmission, hospital mortality, 90-day mortality, and discharge to higher levels of care such as rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities. Hypoglycemia was associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs, even after adjustment for illness severity. Median length of stay and hospital cost were consistently higher in patients with hypoglycemia than in those without it.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that inpatient hypoglycemia is both prevalent and clinically significant. The findings highlight specific high-risk patient profiles and care scenarios that could benefit from more individualized monitoring and prevention strategies. The authors conclude that identifying and addressing these risk factors may improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital resource use.

Asset Subtitle

Bolatito P. Balogun

Meta Tag

Author List Ariana Pichardo-Lowden, Bolatito P. Balogun, Chris Fan, Erik Lehman, Maqdous Awan, Matthew Bolton, Sarita Goud, Thomas Gallagher

Category Research

Concept Inpatient Hypoglycemia

Concept Diabetes Mellitus

Concept Moderate Hypoglycemia

Concept Severe Hypoglycemia

Concept Hospitalized Adults

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Penn State College of Medicine

Presenting Author Bolatito P. Balogun

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

inpatient hypoglycemia

diabetes

electronic health records

retrospective study

insulin use

acute kidney injury

chronic kidney disease

hospital mortality

length of stay

healthcare costs

Inpatient Hypoglycemia

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate Hypoglycemia

Severe Hypoglycemia

Hospitalized Adults