A multicenter prospective cohort study evaluating 30-day outcomes after an emergency department visit for hyperglycemia in Canadian adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Objectives: Previous retrospective studies have demonstrated that patients with sub-optimally controlled diabetes have higher healthcare resource utilization in emergency department (ED) management of hyperglycemia compared to those with good glycemic control. This study's objective was to prospectively describe 30-day outcomes including return visits and hospitalizations after an initial ED visit for hyperglycemia.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of adults ≥ 18 years at four Ontario academic EDs diagnosed with hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. The primary outcome was an unplanned repeat ED visit for hyperglycemia within 30 days of index visit. We conducted telephone follow-up at 14 and 30 days to determine additional outcomes. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: There were 657 ED visits for hyperglycemia representing 594 unique patients. Mean (SD) age was 52.0 (18.2) years, 53.2% were male. Within 30 days, 96 (14.7%) had a return ED visit for hyperglycemia, 49 (7.5%) were hospitalized, and 4 (0.6%) died. We were able to contact 383 (58.3%) patients by telephone at 14 days and 275 (41.9%) at 30 days. Of these, 68.3% self-identified as Caucasian/White, while 6.3% were Indigenous. 44.9% reported an annual household income below $50,000. 29.1% of working patients took time off following their index visit.

Conclusion: This prospective study describes 30-day outcomes and healthcare utilization of ED patients presenting for hyperglycemia. ED clinicians should be aware of the potential for subsequent healthcare utilization and risk for readmission and intervene as appropriate to reduce adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes presenting with hyperglycemia.