DM and its complications are the most common conditions to require hospitalization than any other medical condition globally and require a longer period of hospital stay. Type 2DM patients have a higher frequency of admissions than type 1DM. Globally, the most common cause of admissions and mortality in DM patients, especially in type 2 DM was cardiovascular complications.
Diabetic patients are predisposed to acute and chronic complications which are the main drivers of hospital admission than diabetes itself. Acute complications include; DKA, HHS, infections, and normo-osmolar nonketotic hyperglycemic state. Chronic complications are further classified into microvascular and macrovascular complications. Macrovascular complications are divided into: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. Microvascular complications include: diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
Knowing the common causes for hospital admissions in diabetic patients will enable us to plan resources effectively and address the important risk factors that contribute to the increase in hospitalization among diabetic patients. Reduction of hospitalization among diabetic patients will tremendously reduce the high admission costs incurred and reduce the overstretch of health facilities.