LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To assess the geographic distribution of acute complications in patients with type 1 diabetes in a large urban centre; and to assess the association between acute complications and community-level sociodemographic factors. METHODS Adults (aged ≥18 years old) with type 1 diabetes and acute complications were identified between 2004 and 2008 by using a diabetes centre clinical database or discharge abstracts for acute complications (diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia). Using a geographic information system, hot-spot analysis was used to identify spatial clusters of acute complications in a large urban centre. The association between acute complications and community-level sociodemographic factors were assessed by Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS We identified 1779 patients with type 1 diabetes, of whom 456 had been hospitalized for acute complications. The mean age of patients was 40.9±16.0 years, and men were more likely to have acute complications (59.2% vs. 52.3%; p<0.01). Spatial clusters of high values and low values were identified. Higher median family income (r=-0.36; p<0.0001) and higher education levels (r=-0.30; p<0.0001) were associated with lower rates of acute complications. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated geographic clusters of hospitalizations for acute complications and important community sociodemographic factors. Prevention strategies and interventions targeting these geographic and sociodemographic disparities need to be explored as a means of minimizing hospitalizations for acute complications.