Using routine HbA1c measurements in stroke and the associations of dysglycaemia with stroke outcomes.

Abstract

Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes within a stroke cohort and examine the association of glycaemia status with mortality and morbidity. Inpatients aged ≥54 who presented with a diagnosis of stroke had a routine HbA1c measurement as part of the Austin Health Diabetes Discovery Initiative. Additional data were attained from hospital databases and Australian Stroke Clinical Registry. Outcomes included diabetes and pre-diabetes prevalence, length of stay, 6-month and in-hospital mortality, 28-day readmission rates, and 3-month modified Rankin scale score. Between July 2013 and December 2015, 610 patients were studied. Of these, 31% had diabetes while 40% had pre-diabetes. Using multivariable regression analyses, the presence of diabetes was associated with higher odds of 6-month mortality (OR = 1.90, p = 0.022) and higher expected length of stay (IRR = 1.29, p = 0.004). Similarly, a higher HbA1c was associated with higher odds of 6-month mortality (OR = 1.27, p = 0.005) and higher expected length of stay (IRR = 1.08, p = 0.010). 71% of this cohort had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Presence of diabetes and higher HbA1c were associated with higher 6-month mortality and length of stay. Further research is necessary to determine if improved glycaemic control may improve stroke outcomes.