Factors affecting hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus at Singburi hospital

Abstract

Objective: To study signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia that cause patients to be admitted to the hospital and to study factors that affect and predict the occurrence of hypoglycemia among diabetes patients.

Method: This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted in diabetic patients diagnosed with hypoglycemia and admitted as inpatients at Singburi hospital between October 1, 2018 - October 31, 2019.

Result: Overall, 132 patients have met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 69.80 + 11.84 years. Of these, 98 patients (74.24%) had neuroglycopenic symptoms, of which 47 patients (35.61%) were unconscious before coming to hospital. Factors affecting patients with hypoglycemia was less food intake which have a positively correlated with hypoglycemia (r=0.183; p <0.05). Whereas the use of Sulfonylureas and medication non-compliance were negatively correlated with hypoglycemia (r= -0.173 and -0.182 respectively; p <0.05). Besides, less food intake can predict hypoglycemia at a rate of 12.1% (R=0. 0.348)

Discussion: Neuroglycopenic symptoms is the most symptom that causes patients with hypoglycemia to come to hospital for treatment. The factors affecting hypoglycemia were less food intake, the use of Sulfonylureas, and medication non-compliance. Less food intake can be used to predict hypoglycemia.