[Multiple admission to hospital of diabetic patients (author's transl)]

Within an 8 years' period, 29 insulin-dependent diabetic patients were admitted to hospital on more than 5 occasions, which represents 177 admissions for a total of 3407 days. In almost 70% of the cases loss of control of diabetes was the only reason for admission, and in 33% there was no urgency. Diabetes was unquestionably severe in all patients and truly unstable in 6, but socio-economic reasons accounted for at least one admission in 17 patients and for all admissions in 8. The remaining 64 admissions for uncontrolled diabetes were mostly due to the patients' carelessness. Twelve patients totalling 97 admissions never attended the out-patient clinic. Such carelessness seems to have arisen partly from reactive depression and partly from personality disorders, but the physicians's responsibility cannot be dismissed. In order to reduce the number of unnecessary admissions, diabetologists should provide improved patients' training, pay more attention to their psycho-affective problems and demand regular out-patient attendance.