Indications for and outcome of diabetic admissions at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The morbidity and mortality pattern in persons with Diabetes mellitus(DM) is not well documented  in Uyo. This study therefore set out to determine the morbidity and mortality pattern amongst patients with Diabetes Mellitus at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo, Nigeria over four consecutive years (June 2004 to June 2008).

Methods:
This study was a retrospective study. Data were obtained from the records in the medical wards registers. The records  included admission and discharge records as well as outcome of the individual cases. Data extracted included age, sex, indication for admission and outcome.

Results:
A total of 407 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were admitted during the period under review. Uncontrolled DM was the commonest indication for admission accounting for 253(62.2%) of the total admissions. Hyperglycaemic emergencies (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglyceamic hyperosmolar state) accounted for 76(18.7%) of the total admissions.
The overall mortality rate in the diabetic patients was 33(8.1%). Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state(HHS) was the commonest cause of death accounting for 8( 24.2%) of the total deaths recorded. The fatality rate for HHS was 8(30.3%) and for Diabetic ketoacidosis was 5( 10.2%,).

Conclusion:
Diabetes mellitus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Uyo. Adequate diabetic education needs to be given to diabetic patients to enable them cope with their illness to prevent the poor outcome associated with the disease.