EMERGE: Evaluating the value of Measuring Random Plasma Glucose Values for Managing Hyperglycemia in the Inpatient Setting

IMPORTANCE: A diagnosis of diabetes is considered when a patient has hyperglycemia with a random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. However, in the inpatient setting, hyperglycemia is frequently non-specific, especially among patients who are acutely unwell. As a result, patients with transient hyperglycemia may be incorrectly labeled as having diabetes, leading to unnecessary treatment, and potential harm.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a multicenter cohort study of patients hospitalized at six hospitals in Ontario, Canada, and identified those with a glucose value ≥200 mg/dL (including standing measurements and randomly drawn). We validated a definition for diabetes using manual chart review that included physician notes, pharmacy notes, home medications, and hemoglobin A1C. Among patients with a glucose value ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), we identified patients without diabetes who received a diabetes medication, and the number who experienced hypoglycemia during the same admission.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: To determine the diagnostic value of using random blood glucose to diagnose diabetes in the inpatient setting, and its impact on patient outcomes.

RESULTS: We identified 328,786 hospitalizations from hospital between 2010 and 2020. A blood glucose value of ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) had a positive predictive value of 68% and a negative predictive value of 90% for a diagnosis of diabetes. Of the 76,967 patients with an elevated glucose value reported, 16,787 (21.8%) did not have diabetes, and of these, 5375 (32%) received a diabetes medication. Hypoglycemia was frequently reported among the 5375 patients that received a diabetes medication, with 1406 (26.2%) experiencing hypoglycemia and 405 (7.5%) experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Hyperglycemia in hospital is common but does not necessarily indicate a patient has diabetes. Furthermore, it can lead to treatment with diabetes medications with potential harm. Our findings highlight that clinicians should be cautious when responding to elevated random plasma glucose tests in the inpatient setting.