Diabetes Mellitus Is an Independent Predictor of Short-Term Mortality in Critically Ill ICU Patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently encountered in critically ill patients and has been associated with poor outcomes. However, its independent impact on short-term mortality in heterogeneous ICU populations remains unclear. Objectives: To evaluate whether diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in critically ill adult patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study including adult patients admitted to the ICU between January and December 2024. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. Demographic data, major clinical variables, and ICU outcomes were analyzed. The primary endpoint was ICU mortality. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of death. Results: A total of 1344 patients were included, of whom 435 (32.4%) had diabetes mellitus. ICU mortality was significantly higher in patients with DM compared to non-diabetic patients (54.9% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.004). After adjustment for age, sex, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and mechanical ventilation, diabetes mellitus remained independently associated with an increased risk of ICU death. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus is an independent predictor of short-term mortality in critically ill ICU patients. Early identification and risk stratification of diabetic patients may improve clinical management and outcomes in intensive care settings.