Risk factors for hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with diabetes: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data

Objective To evaluate the incidence of hypoglycemia events in hospitalized patients with diabetes, identify factors associated with hypoglycemia, and analyze hypoglycemia events to provide a scientific basis for the precise nursing care of inpatients with hypoglycemia. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the hospital’s medical database from 2021 to 2022. We collected data from 28,580 patients with diabetes to assess the incidence of hypoglycemia during hospitalization. We analyzed the temporal characteristics of hypoglycemia and evaluated its relationships with patient demographics and behavioral characteristics, medications, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters. Outcome Hypoglycemia occurred in 3,477 (12.2%) of the 28,580 enrolled inpatients. Multivariable analysis identified T1DM, impaired renal function, and insulin or glinide use as factors significantly associated with hypoglycemia. Factors associated with lower odds of hypoglycemia included older age, higher body mass index, higher average glucose level, and the use of SGLT-2 or DPP-4 inhibitors. Temporal analysis revealed distinct patterns: hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM peaks within 3 days of admission, while in patients with T2DM, it also peaks within 3 days but with a lower overall incidence. Conclusion This study underscores the clinical significance of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with diabetes. The elucidated risk factors and temporal characteristics of hypoglycemic events form the basis for devising proactive management strategies to reduce its occurrence.