Background/Aims

There is increasing prevalence of diabetes in the general population of Australia, which is also reflected in an increasing frequency of hospital presentations with diabetic complications. Literature also suggests that there is a positive correlation between increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to establish the number of patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) with a diagnosis of T2DM, the number of patients in each BMI category, and determine if there is a positive correlation between the two measures.

Methodology

A one-day snapshot of all available inpatients at Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) was conducted in September 2015. Hospital medical records were used to find recorded diagnosis of T2DM, weights, and heights (BMI subsequently calculated). Where this information was not available, Dieticians, Allied Health Assistants, Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy students collected the data from the patient.

Results

On the day of the snapshot of the patients admitted to RMH, 76% (n=329) were available to be included.  A rate of 25% (n=81) had a diagnosis of T2DM which was found to be lower than the predicted rate in Australia. Over half of inpatients (55%) were classified through BMI as overweight or obese (n= 154), however of the patients with T2DM, 64% (n=47) were obese or overweight, compared to 51% of patients with no diabetes and obesity. Waist circumference was significantly higher in males with T2DM, 88% (n = 22) had a waist circumferences greater that 94cm.

Conclusion

In conclusion it was found that the rate of T2DM at RMH is consistent with reported Australian rates, however in order to establish trends for further analysis, this snapshot is to be repeated in future. There was a positive correlation between patients with increased BMI and waist circumference with T2DM, which is consistent with literature.