"Primary Etiological Profile of Hospitalized Patients with Documented Episode of Hypoglycemia"

Abstract

Background: Glucose is a major fuel source for body tissues. Plasma glucose concentrations are maintained between 70 to 110 mg/dl in the fasting state. Homeostasis is maintained by stimulating counter hormone response and suppressing insulin secretion during hypoglycemic episodes. Any derangement in homeostasis can cause hypoglycemia. Objectives: To investigate, identify, determine and analyze the incidence of primary etiological profile of hospitalized patients. Material and Methods: Patients admitted in the General Medicine wards who had at least one episode of documented hypoglycemia i.e less than 70mg/dl and age >=18 years were included and observed over a period of 24 months i.e November 2019 to November 2021. The data obtained was analyzed statistically by using chi square test. Results: In present study of 119 patients 90 were male and 29 were females. Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease was found to be the most common primary diagnosis. As we analyze the presence of risk factors in hospitalized hypoglycemic patents, it was found that as the number of risk factors in a patient increases, chance of succumbing to them also increases. In the category of patients having 3 or more risk factors, the death rate was 15 out of 42 which is 35.71%. Conclusion: Hypoglycemia needs to be investigated thoroughly to know the causative factor and should be treated appropriately. Hypoglycemia is an important predicting factor of mortality in cases of heart failure and sepsis.