Predictors of Rehospitalization and Mortality in Diabetes-Related Hospital Admissions

The risk factors of rehospitalization and death post-discharge in diabetes-related hospital admissions are not fully understood. To determine them, a population-based retrospective epidemiological survey was performed on diabetes-related admissions from the Polish national database. Logistic regression models were used, in which the dependent variables were rehospitalization due to diabetes complications and death within 90 days after the index hospitalization. In 2017, there were 74,248 hospitalizations related to diabetes. A total of 11.3% ended with readmission. Risk factors for rehospitalization were as follows: age < 35 years; male sex; prior hospitalization due to acute diabetic complications; weight loss; peripheral artery disease; iron deficiency anemia; kidney failure; alcohol abuse; heart failure; urgent, emergency, or weekend admission; length of hospitalization; and hospitalization in a teaching hospital with an endocrinology/diabetology unit. Furthermore, 7.3% of hospitalizations resulted in death within 90 days following discharge. Risk factors for death were as follows: age; neoplastic disease with/without metastases; weight loss; coagulopathy; alcohol abuse; acute diabetes complications; heart failure; kidney failure; iron deficiency anemia; peripheral artery disease; fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance disturbances; urgent or emergency and weekend admission; and length of hospitalization. We concluded that of all investigated factors, only hospitalization within an experienced specialist center may reduce the frequency of the assessed outcomes.