Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with home enteral nutrition

Background There are few data available in the literature on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with home enteral nutrition (HEN) via tube feeding. The objective was to analyze the prevalence of DM in patients receiving HEN, as well as evaluating the complications, the prescribed antidiabetic treatments and the nutrition regimen selected. Design This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study reviewing clinical histories. The population consisted of patients over 18 years of age who started HEN by tube between January 2016 and January 2018. Sociodemographic variables were recorded, as well as variables related to HEN. Additional variables were recorded in patients with DM. Results In the 198 study patients, followed up for a median of 104 days, the prevalence of DM was 31.8%, and patients with DM were older (71.3 ± 11.5 vs. 64.2 ± 15.8; p = 0.002) than those without DM. There were no differences between patients with and without DM as regards the prescription of HEN, its route and form of administration, and its complications. One hundred and thirty-two patients (66.7%) died during follow-up. The presence of DM did not increase the risk of death during follow-up (after adjusting for age, gender, and diagnosis). More than 85% of patients with DM received a specific formula for diabetes, and 84.1% of these patients received drug treatment. Conclusion The prevalence of DM was high in patients receiving HEN, most of whom were prescribed specific enteral nutrition formulas. The presence of DM was not associated with greater morbidity and mortality or with differences in HEN regimens or indications.