Seasonal variation of diabetes with hyperosmolarity hospitalizations and its characteristics in mainland Portugal

Abstract Aims The family physician devotes a part of his care to the surveillance of diabetic patients. Hyperosmolarity is a severe acute complication. The aim of this study was to analyse seasonal variation of type 2 diabetes with hyperosmolarity hospitalizations, regarding their occurrence, mortality, length of stay, Charlson comorbidity index and its factors. Methods The authors analysed all hospitalizations in Portuguese Mainland public sector hospitals between 2000 and 2015 with primary diagnosis of type 2 diabetes with hyperosmolarity (ICD-9-CM codes 250.20 or 250.22), using a national administrative database. Cases were classified into four seasons according to date of admission. The authors compared the occurrence, length of stay, in-hospital mortality and Charlson comorbidity index and its factors. Results A total of 6596 hospitalization episodes were included. The authors found that admissions occurred more in winter, being 23% more common. No seasonal statistically significant differences were found considering the other variables. Conclusions There is an increased occurrence of this acute metabolic complication during the winter in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results should be taken into account by the family physician when planning surveillance to this risk group.