Hospitalization of diabetics 12-30 years of age in Kuwait: patients' characteristics, and frequency and reasons for admission

In an observational study, we investigated the patient characteristics, frequency and reason for admission in young diabetics (aged 12-30 years) admitted at a major hospital in Kuwait. During the 3-year period, there were 88 evaluable admissions in 59 patients (30 males, 29 females; 34 Kuwaiti nationals, 25 expatriates). Admissions were more frequent in females than males: overall (55 vs. 33, p < 0.05), in the sub-group aged 12-19 years (31 vs. 10, p < 0.05), and in Kuwaitis (41 vs. 17, p < 0.05). The female preponderance reflected a higher re-admission rate than in males (1.9 vs. 1.1, p < 0.05). Females also had longer duration of diabetes (median, 3 vs. 0.75 years, p = 0.01). The main causes of hospitalization were acute hyperglycemia with ketonuria (75 admissions) or with established ketoacidosis (DKA) in 35 admissions. Hypoglycemia was not a cause in any patient. Female excess was also observed in those with DKA (23 vs. 12 in males, p >0.05). Non-adherence to insulin therapy was the most common identifiable cause of DKA (11/35) and infection was a factor in only 2 cases. Among hospitalized young diabetic patients in Kuwait, adolescent females with Kuwaiti nationality were most commonly affected. Studies on psychosocial disorders in young diabetic patients could be beneficial and may help to improve metabolic control and reduce diabetes-related admissions for young diabetics in Kuwait and other countries of the region.