Risk factors of hypoglycaemia in elderly diabetic patients: A case–Control study from a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycaemia is a side effect of strict diabetes control, especially in the geriatric population above sixty, who constitute approximately 100 million of the Indian population. This study was undertaken to explore the risk factors of hypoglycaemia in elderly inpatients. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients who were found to have hypoglycaemia either at admission or while admitted were enrolled. Their risk factors were compared with fifty age- and sex-matched inpatients admitted to medical wards who did not experience hypoglycaemia. Results: The duration of diabetes was significantly longer (13.4 ± 9.2 vs. 8.1 ± 5.7 years; P = 0.012) in the group which experienced hypoglycaemia. The mean glycated haemoglobin was significantly lower in the group which experienced hypoglycaemia (6.33 ± 1.12 vs. 7.61 ± 1.17; P = 0.002). Of the 50 patients who developed hypoglycaemia 28 were asymptomatic. Infection and renal failure were significantly higher in the study group. On multivariate analysis, infection was the only significant precipitating factor. Conclusion: With strict blood glucose control, elderly patients are at high risk of hypoglycaemia. The risk is higher if the patients have renal failure and infection. Diabetic therapy in elderly people should be adjusted in such a way to prevent hypoglycaemia.