Outcomes and Demographic Characteristics of Diabetes Admissions in Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a significant public health challenge globally, with increasing morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries. Understanding outcomes and demographic characteristics of diabetic patients provides insight into disease patterns and guides management strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of diabetic patients admitted to FETHI between January 2013 and December 2022 was conducted. Patients with a documented diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. Missing data were handled by pair-wise deletion during analysis to preserve available information. Data extracted included socio-demographic details, clinical presentations, length of stay, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods. Results: Out of 2,669 medical admissions during the study period, 168 (11.1%) were diabetes-related. The mean age of the patients was 58.6 ± 15.4 years, with the majority in the middle-aged and elderly groups. The leading causes of admission were diabetic foot ulcer (47.0%), hyperglycemic emergencies (25.6%), severe hypertension (18.5%), and sepsis (17.9%). Duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 350 days, with a mean of 47.6 ± 69.6 days. Clinical outcomes were categorised as discharged or referred (76.8%), discharged against medical advice (13.7%) and died (9.5%). Conclusion/ Recommendations: The study demonstrated a serial increase in diabetic admissions over the review period, with diabetic foot ulcers and hyperglycaemic emergencies being the leading causes. The prolonged hospital stays and notable mortality highlight the significant burden of diabetes-related complications. The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus should be a concern for policymakers for the disease's prevention and treatment. There should also be regular community-based screening programmes to improve early diagnosis and reduce late-stage complications in middle-aged and elderly adults.