ED diabetic ketoacidosis presentations in people with type 1 diabetes: a pilot to improve clinical and public health system outcomes

Grant ID: EMSS-458R32-2019-Clark

Lay Summary

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) require ongoing insulin administration. Insufficient administration results in hyperglycaemia and then diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which, if not treated urgently, can lead to death. It is vital that all people with T1D have timely access to acute care advice and service delivery.

Across Australia, DKA is the cause of a significant and increasing number of hospitalisations, especially when considering socioeconomic disadvantage. This project will explore current outcomes for people with T1D presenting to the Caboolture Hospital ED with DKA, explore factors associated with poor outcomes, and describe current barriers and enablers; to inform intervention development. Local diabetes support is provided through a diabetes education service which does not provide after-hours telephone support to provide timely assistance and determine the requirement for (and potentially preventing if unnecessary) hospital presentations.

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