Crowded hospital ward transforming into serene outpatient clinic

Diabetes in Sri Lanka: Why Hospital Overcrowding Demands a New Approach

Q: What were the key findings regarding diabetes prevalence and reasons for hospital admissions in the study conducted at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya?

The study at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya revealed a 40.4% in-hospital point prevalence of diabetes. A quarter of diabetes-related admissions were for blood glucose control optimization, indicating insufficient outpatient management. Other reasons included acute coronary syndromes (22.7%), infections (16%), and symptomatic hypoglycemia (2%). This shows that many patients' conditions worsen to the point of needing hospitalization because their diabetes isn't well-managed initially.

Q: How did diabetes affect the length of hospital stays and glycemic control for patients in the Sri Lankan study?

Diabetic patients in the study experienced longer hospital stays, averaging 6.6 days compared to 4.6 days for non-diabetic patients. Also, in-hospital glycemic control was poor, with over 98% experiencing at least one glucose value exceeding 10 mmol/L. This extended stay not only puts a strain on hospital resources but also suggests a need for better protocols during hospitalization to manage blood sugar effectively.

Q: According to the article, what steps can be taken to improve diabetes care and reduce the burden on Sri Lanka's healthcare system?

To enhance diabetes care in Sri Lanka, strengthening outpatient care is crucial. This involves investing in effective diabetes outreach services, training healthcare professionals, and promoting patient education. By empowering patients and improving blood sugar control within hospitals, Sri Lanka can alleviate pressure on its healthcare system, underlining a proactive and comprehensive management approach.

Q: What are the current and projected rates of diabetes in Sri Lanka, and what impact could this have on the healthcare system?

Sri Lanka faces a growing diabetes epidemic with current estimates indicating that 10.3% of the population lives with diabetes, and projections suggest this number could climb to 13.9% by 2025. The projected increases in diabetes prevalence could significantly amplify the burden on Sri Lanka's hospitals, potentially leading to even greater overcrowding and resource constraints if proactive measures aren't taken.

Q: What are the potential economic implications of the high diabetes prevalence and hospital admission rates in Sri Lanka, even though not explicitly mentioned?

The study did not explicitly address the economic implications. However, the economic impact is substantial considering the increased hospital stay durations, the need for more resources, and the potential loss of productivity due to diabetes-related complications. Investing in preventive measures and better outpatient care could potentially reduce these economic burdens by preventing hospital admissions and improving the overall health and productivity of the population.

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A case study reveals how rethinking diabetes care can alleviate pressure on Sri Lanka's healthcare system."

Sri Lanka, like many developing nations, faces a growing diabetes epidemic. Current estimates indicate that 10.3% of the population lives with diabetes, and projections suggest this number could climb to 13.9% by 2025. This surge poses significant challenges to the country's healthcare system, particularly its hospitals.

A recent study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka sheds light on the significant burden of diabetes on inpatient medical resources. The study reveals a concerningly high in-hospital prevalence of diabetes and highlights the need for innovative strategies to manage the condition more effectively.

This article will delve into the findings of this case study, exploring the reasons behind diabetes-related hospital admissions, the impact on hospital stay durations, and the overall quality of in-hospital glycemic control. By understanding these factors, we can identify potential solutions to alleviate the strain on Sri Lanka's healthcare system and improve the lives of individuals living with diabetes.

What's Driving Diabetes-Related Hospital Admissions in Sri Lanka?

Crowded hospital ward transforming into serene outpatient clinic

The study, conducted at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, analyzed data from 300 consecutive medical admissions, comparing diabetic patients with a control group of non-diabetic patients. The results painted a stark picture of the diabetes burden: the in-hospital point prevalence of diabetes was a staggering 40.4%.

One of the most alarming findings was that a quarter of all diabetes-related admissions were primarily for the optimization of blood glucose control. This suggests that many individuals were not receiving adequate diabetes management in the outpatient setting, leading to complications that required hospitalization. Other significant reasons for admission included:

Acute coronary syndromes (22.7%)
Infections (16%)
Symptomatic hypoglycemia (2%)

The study also revealed that diabetic patients experienced significantly longer hospital stays compared to their non-diabetic counterparts – an average of 6.6 days versus 4.6 days (P<0.01). This increased length of stay further strains hospital resources and contributes to overcrowding. Moreover, the study found that in-hospital glycemic control was generally poor, with over 98% of diabetic patients experiencing at least one in-hospital glucose value exceeding 10 mmol/L. This highlights the need for improved protocols and resources for managing blood sugar levels during hospitalization.

The Path Forward: Towards Better Diabetes Care in Sri Lanka

The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to diabetes management in Sri Lanka. By strengthening outpatient care, empowering patients, and improving in-hospital glycemic control, the country can alleviate the burden on its healthcare system and improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes. Investing in effective diabetes outreach services, training healthcare professionals, and promoting patient education are essential steps towards building a healthier future for Sri Lanka.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2155-6156.1000502, Alternate LINK

Title: The High Burden Of In-Hospital Diabetes Mellitus At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Sri Lanka; A Case Control Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Arjuna B Medagama

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What were the key findings regarding diabetes prevalence and reasons for hospital admissions in the study conducted at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya?