Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients

Patients who develop recurrent hypoglycemia are predisposed to developing hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF, impaired awareness). There is almost no information investigating the contribution of HAAF as a risk factor for hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients. Our central aim is to develop a validated inpatient hypoglycemic symptom score model to examine HAAF and its correlation with cognitive dysfunction, re-hospitalization rates, inpatient morbidity and mortality.

This will be a prospective non-blinded study performed in a tertiary care center that will include non-critically insulin treated patients with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes. We will identify patients who have experienced moderate hypoglycemia (40-70 mg/dl) or severe hypoglycemia (< 40 mg/dl) within the prior 24 hours by daily generated computerized reports. Participants will be asked to complete a Hypoglycemia Symptom Scores Questionnaire and cognitive testing within 24-36 hours post event. Participants will be contacted at 6 and 12 months following the index hospitalization to obtain information regarding recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, need for re-hospitalization, and occurrence of any new diabetes related complications.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of diabetes
• Non-critically ill hospitalized surgical and medical patients
• Anticipated length of stay (LOS) >3 days
• Anticipated life expectancy > 1 year
• Mentally competent individuals

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who are admitted for hypoglycemia or Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Anticipated LOS <3 days
• Mentally incompetent individuals defined as any patient with evidence of dementia or delirium recorded in their medical history or progress note
• Patients receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Treatment with high dose narcotic medications
• Patients who would not be able to follow up at 3 to 6 and 9-12 months by telephone call
• Patients with expected life expectancy < 1 year