Newly diagnosed diabetes/hyperglycemia in hospitals: what should we do?

To examine the clinical problem of newly diagnosed diabetes/hyperglycemia in hospitals, and to develop a management strategy.

A review of the literature on outcomes and management of such patients.

There are very few published papers on this subject, the majority being in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, there is recognition that the problem is common. No randomized clinic trials have been carried out on therapeutic strategies in such patients. The limited data available suggest that patients with newly diagnosed diabetes and hyperglycemia tend to have a poor prognosis.

Newly diagnosed diabetes/hyperglycemia in hospital is a common problem and is associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it seems appropriate that such patients be managed the same way as patients with established diabetes. Following discharge, appropriate diagnostic testing is needed to establish the presence or absence of diabetes so that long-term treatment plans can be initiated.