Hospitalists Should Play Vital Role in Managing Diabetic Inpatients

Diabetes: A Serious Problem Worsening

The number of individuals with diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes. Of the 29.1 million, 21 million were diagnosed and 8.1 million were undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association.

In 2010, these figures were somewhat lower, at 25.8 million and 8.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of Americans aged 65 and older with diabetes remains high, at 25.9% or 11.8 million seniors—both diagnosed and undiagnosed. The rate was 26.9% in 2010.²

“It’s everywhere, it’s getting worse, and the problem isn’t going to go away anytime soon,” says Dr. Kulasa, who attributes the growing epidemic to unhealthy diets, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and genetics. “One-quarter to one-third of inpatients have diabetes. It’s something you will see no matter what specialty you’re in. Therefore, it’s important to feel comfortable with treating diabetes.”

In August 2014, a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reported that of U.S. children born between 2000 and 2011, 40% will develop diabetes during their lifetime.³

“That is alarming,” says Dr. Rogers, who foresees hospitalists seeing more glycemic control issues that will be more difficult to control.—KA