Disease Staging: Prevalence of Cardiorespiratory Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The incidence of cardiorespiratory complications in diabetic patients is a major concern for healthcare organizations and providers in Portugal. The objectives of this study were (1) to study the prevalence of cardiorespiratory complications during hospitalization in the diabetic population and (2) to identify their associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and included 7,347 diabetic patients admitted to all specialty services enrolled between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 in 32 public hospitals in Portugal. Hospital discharge summary data and both Disease-Related Diagnosis Groups and Disease Staging were used. Descriptive statistical analysis was used where the distribution and rates of cardiorespiratory complications were calculated. Logistic regression using the risk adjustment model was used to calculate the associated risk factors for cardiorespiratory complications. Results: The total rate of cardiorespiratory complications was 18.2% cardiorespiratory complications; in women it was 21.5% and in men 15.6%. The comorbidity of congestive heart failure (98.0%) was significantly higher (P<0.001) among patients undergoing medical treatment, and the comorbidities bacterial pneumonia and coronary artery disease without prior coronary revascularization were significantly higher (63.9%, 45.1%, and 33.4%, P<0.001). Discussion: The use of different therapies to control glucose levels and the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis during medical treatment may account for these data. Conclusions: Cardiorespiratory complications were higher in women than in men and in those who received medical treatment. Comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, such as bacterial pneumonia and coronary artery disease without prior coronary revascularization were identified as risk factors.