Diabetes top condition among
older frequent ER users
By Joseph Gustaitis
I
t comes as no surprise to learn that older people use hospital
emergency rooms (ERs) more than other groups. But it
might come as a surprise to learn that the No. 1 condition
found in seniors who use the ER is diabetes, according to a
new study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
The researchers’ analysis was based on data from more
than 1.25 million patients over 65 who visited more than
300 hospitals. The researchers were interested in collecting
information on people classified as “frequent users” of
ERs. Frequent users were defined as those using an ER
six or more times in a year (some of the patients made
as many as 20 visits). Another factor in the investigation
was what are known as “comorbidities.” A comorbidity is
defined as the presence of one or more additional diseases
or disorders in addition to a primary one.
Although only about six percent of the people in the
database were classified as frequent users, they accounted
for more than 20 percent of the ER visits. The researchers
included 17 clinical conditions in their analysis and found
that the most common comorbidity among the ER users
was diabetes (25.8 percent of frequent users). The other
leading comorbidities were lung disease (21.5 percent),
kidney disease (19.1), congestive heart failure (16.0)
and peripheral vascular disease (15.1). The research also
showed that these were the most common comorbidities
whether or not the patients were frequent users.
To address the issue, the researchers stressed the value of
“interventions”—measures taken in advance to make ER visits
less likely. According to study co-author Kelly J. Ko, PhD, “This
study shows that there are opportunities for both cost savings
and more targeted interventions to help improve outcomes
for seniors in the emergency department...” Edward M.
Castillo, PhD, MPH, lead author of the study, agreed that
refining interventions can improve care, enhance delivery
and decrease use of the ER. As he put it, “Older patients are
more likely to have multiple chronic conditions, which makes
emergency care increasingly complex. A better understanding
of older patients opens the door for interventions in and
beyond the emergency department.” DIABETES
Q UIZ Questions
Medications and alternative
therapies: What’s newBy Frieda Wiley, PharmD, RPh
Having diabetes may motivate you to look for new ways
to improve your health, and this may include searching for
new medications and non-medication-related ways to stay
healthy. This quiz tests your knowledge on the latest updates
in medications and alternative therapies in diabetes.- What is one advantage of one of the new non-insulin
injection Ozempic® (semaglutide)?
OA. It has once-a-week
dosing.
OB. It is inexpensive.
OC. It can be taken with
or without food.
OD. It is not insulin.- What makes Fiasp® (insulin aspart) different from
other fast-acting insulins?
OA. It does not have to be
taken at mealtime.
OB. It has no peak.
OC. It is a needleless injection.
OD. It does not have pre-
meal insulin dosing
requirements. - Which of the following plants has numerous reported
benefits that have earned it “superfood” status in the
United States, among these being research suggest-
ing its benefit in diabetes, among other diseases?
OA. Goji berries
OB. Chia seeds
OC. Moringa leaf
OD. Wild blueberries- The leaf of this plant being is studied for its potential
diabetes-fighting properties:
OA. Apple
OB. Mango
OC. Coconut
OD. Olive- What is important to know about superfoods?
More than one answer may apply.
OA. They are rare plants.
OB. They tend to be
expensive.
OC. They can replace a
healthy diet.
OD. They are good sources
of antioxidants.NEWS &
NOTES
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EMERGENCY
8 May/June 2019