Hypoglycaemia in Inpatients with Diabetes on Nasogastric Feeding

Abstract

Hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes on nasogastric feeding is both potentially damaging and under-researched. We retrospectively reviewed 50 such inpatients to determine factors influencing hypoglycaemia. Our results showed 10.9% patient-days with =1 hypoglycaemic episode and 3.5% total blood glucose values <3.5mmol/L. There was an association between sulphonylurea treatment and increased and extended hypoglycaemia. Reducing diabetes treatment post-hypoglycaemia was associated with reduced subsequent hypoglycaemia but not increased hyperglycaemia.This study supports optimal blood glucose monitoring, insulin treatment and judicious medication reduction post-hypoglycaemia.