Hyperglycemia in ED patients with no history of diabetes

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of incidentally discovered hyperglycemia in patients with non–glucose-related complaints and to consider the potential care implications.MethodsA retrospective chart review identified patients older than 18 years with obtained serum glucose levels. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis were excluded. Three levels of hyperglycemia (≥126, ≥140, and ≥200 mg/dL) were considered.ResultsOf 2473 adult patients, 290 patients (11.7%) had serum glucose values greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL. There were 154 patients with hyperglycemia and no prior history of diabetes (6.2% of the emergency department [ED] population, 53.1% of those with hyperglycemia).ConclusionMore than half of the patients found to be hyperglycemic had no known history of diabetes and were being seen for a non–glucose-related complaint. The reason for this prevalence and its impact on the health of these patients is unclear. Whether ED intervention would be helpful remains unanswered.