Heart, Vessels and Transplantation · Published 2026-07-23 · DOI 10.24969/hvt.2026.669
Rajesh Aravindhan, Vathada Nookaraju, Ramya Gadam, Venkata Rohitha Chowdary Chirukuri, Sravanthi Mekapotula
Objectives: To evaluate the association between admission blood glucose levels (mg/dl) and (i) severity of exacerbation, and (ii) length of hospital stay in non-diabetic adults admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted across 100 patients admitted with AECOPD for 3 months in Government General Hospital, Kakinada. Diabetic patients were excluded. We evaluated exacerbation of COPD, blood glucose levels and duration of hospital stay. Data was then analyzed Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratio to determine risk of prolonged hospital stay. Results: A significant association was observed between elevated mean blood glucose levels and the severity of acute exacerbations in COPD (p=0.009). The majority of patients exhibiting higher glucose levels experienced more severe exacerbation episodes (p=0.009), which were also associated with a prolonged duration of hospitalization (p<0.0001). Patients with hyperglycemia had higher probability of longer hospital stay (OR – 7.41, 95%CI = 1.38 – 9.92, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Hyperglycemia, even in non-diabetic patients, can lead to adverse outcomes in individuals suffering from COPD. In non-diabetic patients hospitalized with AECOPD, admission hyperglycemia (greater than or equal to 126mg/dl) was independently associated with prolonged hospital stay. This metabolic imbalance has been associated with increased risk of infection, prolonged recovery times, and a heightened likelihood of respiratory complications.
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Aravindhan, R., Nookaraju, V., Gadam, R., et al. (2026). Association of admission hyperglycemia with exacerbation severity and length of hospital stay in non-diabetic patients with acute exacerbation of COPD: A prospective observational study. Heart, Vessels and Transplantation. https://doi.org/10.24969/hvt.2026.669