Comparison of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Diabetes General Patients Admitted in Tertiary Level Hospital

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising rapidly worldwide and in Bangladesh. It often coexists with hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, and other conditions, increasing the risk of hospitalization and complicating care. In Bangladesh, most diabetes cases are type 2, affecting a large proportion of adults, with national survey estimates at 9.2% and IDF 2024 projections at 13.2%. Direct comparisons between hospitalized diabetic and non-diabetic patients in Bangladesh are limited. Aim of the study: This study aimed to compare the frequency, socio-demographic, clinical, biochemical and comorbidity of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods & Materials: This hospital-based comparative study was conducted at the Department of Medicine in Rangpur Community Medical College and Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh, from October 2025 to March 2026. The study included 200 patients admitted to the medicine wards, 87 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 113 without diabetes. Data were collected prospectively using a predesigned case record form and included socio-demographic, clinical, biochemical, comorbidity, and admission diagnosis information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and group comparisons were performed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent sample t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 200 admitted patients, 87 (43.5%) had type 2 diabetes, while 113 (56.5%) did not. Diabetic patients were older, with a mean age of 57.5 years, compared to 42.9 years for non-diabetics (p <0.001). Regarding gender, the male:female ratio was 1.07:1 in the diabetic group, 0.74:1 in the non-diabetic group, and 0.87:1 overall (p=0.247). Systolic blood pressure averaged 125 mmHg in diabetics and 115 mmHg in non-diabetics (p <0.001). Diastolic pressure was also higher in diabetic group 76.8 mmHg vs 73.1 mmHg (p = 0.027). Diabetic patients had higher blood sugar (13.9 mmol/L vs 7.2 mmol/L, p <0.001) and higher HbA1c (10.7% vs 5.9%, p = 0.036). Their eGFR was lower (68.1 vs 87.2 ml/min; p <0.001). Hypertension was seen in 46% of diabetics and 21.2% of non-diabetics (p <0.001). Infectious diseases were the most frequent reason for admission in both groups29.9% for diabetic patients and 35.4% for non-diabetics. Overall admission patterns were similar (p = 0.319). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasingly common among hospitalized patients and is associated with a higher burden of adverse clinical and biochemical risk factors than non-diabetic patients. These findings highlight the need for closer monitoring and integrated management to reduce complications and improve outcomes.