Clin Med
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This study aimed to investigate relationships between dysglycaemia and length of hospital stay, short-term mortality and readmission in an unselected population in an acute medical unit (AMU). The rate of follow up in non-diabetic individuals with hyperglycaemia was also measured. We analysed data from all 1,502 patients admitted through our AMU in February 2010 to assess blood glucose levels on admission, length of stay, 28-day readmissions and mortality, and to determine whether blood glucose > or = 11.1 mmol/l on admission in non-diabetic individuals was followed up. ⋯ Overall, 51.4% of non-diabetic individuals with blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/l on admission were followed up. The study showed that blood glucose > 6.5 mmol/l on admission is associated with significantly longer length of stay. Hyperglycaemia was associated with increased 28-day mortality and readmissions, and is frequently underinvestigated.