Trends in Hospitalizations for Diabetes Among Children and Young Adults: United States, 1993-2004

Abstract

Objective: To examine national trends in hospitalizations associated with diabetes for US children and young adults.

Research Design and Methods: The study included hospital discharges for individuals aged 0-29 years with a diagnosis of diabetes (250.xx) in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1993-2004). Outcomes were weighted, nationally representative estimates of the frequency of population-adjusted hospital discharges and hospital charges (2004 $US).

Results: Among individuals aged 0-29 years, population-adjusted rates of hospitalizations associated with diabetes over the 12-year period increased by 38% (99.1/100,000 in 1993; 136.4/100,000 in 2004 (p<0.001 for curvilinear trend)). Age-specific increases in annual hospitalizations for diabetes occurred primarily among individuals aged 20-24 years (152.6/100,000 in 1993; 222.2/100,000 in 2004) and 25-29 years (224.9/100,000 in 1993; 331.2/100,000 in 2004). Trends in hospitalizations among younger individuals showed no significant patterns. Hospitalization rates were consistently higher for females compared with males, with a greater rate of increase for females (42%) compared with males (29%) (p<0.001). Inflation-adjusted total charges for diabetes hospitalizations increased 130%, from $1.05 billion in 1993 to $2.42 billion in 2004.

Conclusions: The number of young adults hospitalized with diabetes in the US has increased significantly over the last decade. Sex-specific differences in hospitalization rates and trends in obesity among US children may amplify future trends in diabetes hospitalizations and corresponding rapid growth in associated health care expenditures.