Trends and Disparities in U.S. Emergency Department Visits for Hypoglycemia, 1993–2005
- Adit A. Ginde, MD, MPH (adit.ginde{at}uchsc.edu)1,
- Janice A. Espinola, MPH2 and
- Carlos A. Camargo, Jr., MD, DrPH2
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO
- 2 Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Abstract
Objective: To characterize the epidemiology of hypoglycemia in U.S. Emergency Departments (EDs).
Research Design and Methods: We analyzed data from the 1993–2005 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and evaluated trends and disparities over time.
Results: There were approximately 5 million ED visits for hypoglycemia from 1993–2005, and 25% resulted in hospital admission. The visit rate per 1,000 diabetic population was 34 (95%CI, 30–37) and did not change significantly during the study period (p=0.70 for trend). These visit rates were higher in age<45 (62) and ≥75 (54) vs. age 45-74 (21); female (37) vs. male (30); black (40) vs. white (25); and Hispanic (21) vs. non-Hispanic (12) (all p<0.001).
Conclusions: Greater emphasis on intensive glycemic control has not resulted in increased ED visit rates for hypoglycemia. We identified demographic disparities, however, that merit further evaluation. The ED provides an important opportunity for epidemiologic study and intervention for severe hypoglycemia.
Footnotes
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- Received September 11, 2007.
- Accepted November 14, 2007.
- Copyright © American Diabetes Association
