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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Newly identified hyperglycemia among hospitalized patients
1St. Thomas Hospital and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn, USA.
Background:
Earlier diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus is desirable. We studied the prevalence of newly identified diabetes among hospital inpatients.
Methods:
We did a prospective observational study in a community teaching hospital.
Results:
Thirty-six patients had hyperglycemia on at least 2 days and were considered to have newly identified diabetes mellitus. They represented approximately 1% of the inpatient population. Sixteen (44%) were receiving corticosteroid treatment. Five of the patients (14%) died during the hospitalization. Twenty-four (67%) received insulin treatment during hospitalization. Of the 31 surviving patients, only 15 (48%) had documentation of discharge plans for diabetes-related treatment, 7 (23%) received instruction by a dietitian, and 5 (16%) received education about diabetes self-management from a diabetes nurse educator.
Conclusion:
Hospitalized patients with newly identified hyperglycemia represent an opportunity for early diagnosis, education, and treatment of a substantial proportion of patients with undiagnosed diabetes.
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