Risk factors associated with 30-day readmission and length of stay in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) are at greater risk of poor hospital outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of type 2 DM on 30-day hospital readmission and length of stay (LOS). Methods We studied all inpatient admissions in Pennsylvania during 2011 using data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Outcomes included 30-day readmission and inpatient LOS. We estimated the impact of type 2 DM on readmission and LOS, and identified risk factors for readmission and prolonged LOS. Results Among inpatient admissions, patients with diabetes were more likely to be readmitted (AOR = 1.17, P < 0.001) and have longer LOS (0.19 days, P < 0.001) compared to patients without diabetes. Among those with diabetes, several factors were associated with readmission, including demographics, source of admission, and comorbidities. Patients with diabetes were more likely to be readmitted for infectious complications (9.4% vs. 7.7%), heart failure (6.0% vs. 3.1%), and chest pain/MI (5.5% vs. 3.3%) than patients without diabetes. Conclusions Diabetes is associated with risk of 30-day readmission and LOS, and several patient-specific factors are associated with outcomes for patients with diabetes. Future studies may target risk factors to develop strategies to reduce readmissions and LOS.