Clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental factors associated with hospitalizations for acute complications in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with hospitalizations for acute complications in adults with type 1 diabetes. Within this thesis, three discrete studies were conducted which assessed 1) clinical and sociodemographic factors; 2) driving distance to diabetes care sites; and, 3) seasonality. Methods: This thesis used clinical, administrative, and geographic data. Analysis included descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodology. Results: The results showed: 1) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) hospitalization was associated with shorter duration of diabetes, higher hemoglobin Ale, gastroparesis, and psychiatric disorders. Hypoglycemia hospitalization was associated with longer duration of diabetes and neuropathy; 2) Driving distance to diabetes care sites overall was not associated with hospitalizations; and, 3) DKA and hypoglycemia hospitalizations had seasonal variation. Conclusions: This thesis identified unique factors associated with hospitalizations for acute complications. This information could inform specific initiatives to improve the health and well being of adults with type 1 diabetes.