One in four inpatients has diabetes in Victorian hospital audit

L-R: Prof Leon Bach
with one of his patients

Professor Leon Bach (Department of Medicine, Monash University; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health) has published research in the Medical Journal of Australia which indicates that diabetes mellitus affects one quarter of patients in Melbourne hospitals. The survey was of 2,308 patients over a two year period. The patients are not always in hospital because of the diabetes, but 80% of the diabetic patients already had at least one complication of diabetes, including damage to the heart, circulation, kidneys, eyes, or nerves. Bach says the figures will likely be reflected across Australia, and a national audit is needed.

• Journal reference
• 14 September 2014 Herald Sun article