An Intensive Diabetes Screening and Treatment Program Improves Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes of Diabetes in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Patients with cardiac diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease, exhibit a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Inadequate glucose control poses a significant risk for cardiac patients, necessitating targeted screening and management strategies.
• Existing care may not adequately identify or manage diabetes in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive diabetes screening and treatment program in hospitalized cardiac patients.
• To assess the program's impact on the diagnosis rates of DM and impaired glucose regulation (IGR).
• To determine the program's influence on hospitalization costs and length of stay.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving adult inpatients in two cardiac wards (Ward-A and Ward-B) at Nanjing Hospital, China.
• Ward-A received an intensive screening and treatment program for DM/IGR alongside routine care.
• Ward-B received only routine examination and treatment; outcomes were compared between wards.

Main Results:

• The intensive program in Ward-A identified a higher prevalence of DM (29.7%) and IGR (7.8%) compared to Ward-B (17.85% DM).
• Overall abnormal glucose metabolism was detected in 37.5% of Ward-A patients.
• Ward-A patients experienced significantly reduced medical costs and shorter hospital stays, particularly those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Conclusions:

• The intensive screening and treatment program effectively increases the diagnosis rate of DM and IGR in cardiac inpatients.
• This program leads to better hyperglycemia control, shorter hospitalizations, and lower medical and total costs.
• Implementing such programs is beneficial for managing comorbid diabetes in cardiovascular care settings.