Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients

Patients who develop recurrent hypoglycemia are predisposed to developing hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF, impaired awareness). There is almost no information investigating the contribution of HAAF as a risk factor for hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients. Our central aim is to develop a validated inpatient hypoglycemic symptom score model to examine HAAF and its correlation with cognitive dysfunction, re-hospitalization rates, inpatient morbidity and mortality. This will be a prospective non-blinded study performed in a tertiary care center that will include non-critically insulin treated patients with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes. We will identify patients who have experienced moderate hypoglycemia (40-70 mg/dl) or severe hypoglycemia (\< 40 mg/dl) within the prior 24 hours by daily generated computerized reports. Participants will be asked to complete a Hypoglycemia Symptom Scores Questionnaire and cognitive testing within 24-36 hours post event. Participants will be contacted at 6 and 12 months following the index hospitalization to obtain information regarding recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, need for re-hospitalization, and occurrence of any new diabetes related complications.