ABSTRACT:
Diabetic emergencies, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), and severe hypoglycemia, remain major causes of morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetic emergencies and identify precipitating factors among diabetic patients attending Atbara Teaching Hospital, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among adult diabetic patients. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records and analyzed with SPSS version 21. The findings revealed that a considerable proportion of participants experienced diabetic emergencies, with DKA being the most frequent, followed by severe hypoglycemia and HHS. The leading precipitating factors included infections, medication non-adherence, and poorly controlled diabetes. These results indicate that diabetic emergencies are highly prevalent but largely preventable through timely interventions. Strengthening diabetes education, improving adherence to treatment, ensuring regular follow-up, and enhancing access to care are essential strategies to reduce the burden of acute complications in this population. Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures targeting both patient behavior and healthcare system support to mitigate the impact of diabetic emergencies in low-resource settings.