Abbott reports rising DKA hospitalizations among diabetics

INVESTING.COMJun 6, 1:09 PM UTC
Abbott reports rising DKA hospitalizations among diabetics

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. - Abbott (NYSE:ABT) presented data at the American Diabetes Association’s 86th Scientific Sessions this week showing increases in diabetic ketoacidosis-related hospitalizations across age groups in the United States, according to a press release statement.

The data, based on multiple studies analyzing hospitalization and insurance claims, showed DKA hospitalization rates among people with Type 1 diabetes increased approximately 24% between 2017-2024, rising from 50 to 62 cases per 1,000 individuals. The increase was more pronounced in children than adults.Abbott, with a market capitalization of $158.6 billion and revenue of $45.1 billion over the last twelve months, remains a prominent player in the Healthcare Equipment & Supplies industry, according to InvestingPro data.

One analysis of close to 40,000 pediatric hospitalizations showed DKA accounts for nearly 60% of all diabetes-related hospitalizations among youth with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Most U.S. hospitalizations among children with diabetes are related to DKA, with the majority requiring inpatient care lasting up to one week and costing up to $38,000 per stay.

A study of over 100,000 people found that DKA can be difficult to recognize when a person first arrives at the hospital, as early symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or stomach pain overlap with many common illnesses. A confirmed diagnosis depends on blood tests that measure blood sugar, blood pH and ketones, which may not be immediately available at admission.

DKA develops when the body does not have enough insulin and begins breaking down fat for energy, causing ketones to rise to dangerous levels in the blood. The American Diabetes Association notes that high ketone levels can escalate to DKA within hours and, if left untreated, can lead to coma or death.

Abbott announced CE Mark for its Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day systems in May 2026, which combine continuous glucose and ketone monitoring in a single sensor. The company has filed a regulatory submission with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The systems are not yet cleared by the FDA or available for sale in the United States.

In other recent news, Abbott Laboratories announced it received CE Mark approval for its Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day, marking a significant advancement in continuous monitoring systems for individuals with diabetes. These sensors are designed to measure both glucose and ketone levels every minute, aiming to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis by eliminating the need for traditional testing methods. Additionally, Abbott received FDA clearance and CE Mark for its Ultreon 3.0 Software, an AI-powered system for coronary imaging, enhancing guidance during coronary procedures.

The American Cancer Society has reaffirmed Cologuard and Cologuard Plus as preferred noninvasive colorectal cancer screening options for adults aged 45 and older. Meanwhile, Leerink Partners lowered its price target for Abbott Laboratories to $106, citing mixed first-quarter results with worldwide sales up by 1% and adjusted earnings per share meeting expectations. Similarly, Bernstein SocGen Group reduced its price target to $110, noting a true organic growth rate of about 3.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, which aligned with consensus expectations.

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