Hypoglycemia During Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Outpatients

This study investigated the current occurrence of hypoglycemia during bowel preparation of outpatients undergoing colonoscopy in endoscopy centers. A total of 399 outpatients from an eastern province of China participated in the survey. Participants' characteristics and health information, colonoscopy information questionnaire and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were used as the study tools. Terminal blood glucose was measured by trained nurses before and after colonoscopy. The results showed that the incidence of hypoglycemia during bowel preparation was 17%. Mildly coughing when eating food (odds ratio [OR] = 3.821, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.570-9.299, p = .003), drinking alcohol 4-6 times per week (OR = 5.776, 95% CI = 1.794-18.600, p = .003), a history of hypoglycemia (OR = 2.275, 95% CI = 1.135-4.557, p = .020), fasting time ≥ 10 h (OR = 2.933, 95% CI = 1.118-7.699, p = .029), waiting time ≥ 12 h (OR = 0.446, 95% CI = 0.226-0.879, p = .020), subjective hunger (OR = 4.742, 95% CI = 2.255-9.972, p < .001), and STAI score (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 1.012-1.090, p < .001), were the influencing factors of hypoglycemia in outpatients. It is suggested that clinical staff in endoscopy centers should identify the above risk factors as soon as possible, and conduct timely intervention to prevent hypoglycemia and avoid more serious consequences.