Management of diabetes in the hospital can pose some unique issues. This article provides an overview of these issues and some suggestions to make hospital management of diabetes easier.
While diabetes is mainly handled as an outpatient condition, there are times when individuals with diabetes will need to be hospitalized. Individuals admitted for routine procedures, conditions relating to diabetes, and acute problems should always inform the staff that they have diabetes and be prepared to list any medications they take. Being in the hospital poses unique challenges to the management of diabetes, but these challenges can be managed. Changes in daily routine can cause complications that are not seen outside of the hospital. These changes can make is especially difficult for the patient when he or she returns home.
Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels
Outside of their normal environment, patients often forget to monitor their blood glucose levels. Often, they assume that since they are in the hospital they do not need to worry about this. It is important for hospital personnel to cautiously monitor the blood glucose levels of their patients. When possible, allowing the patient to continue being a part of this monitoring can help them maintain a routine.
Since the patient is not getting any physical activity, it is common for blood glucose levels to be higher than they were outside of the hospital. Changes in diet and medication should be made to accommodate for the lack of exercise.
Sticking to a Routine
For many patients, routines help them to remember when to eat, when to take their medicine, when to check their blood glucose level, and when to exercise. Being in the hospital completely disrupts this routine, making patients feel like they are no longer in control. While it is impossible to completely maintain this routine while in the hospital, any attempt to stick to it will be appreciated by the patient.
Upon admission, it is important to find out how the patient is self-managing diabetes. Discovering what times of the day they do certain things can help the medical staff to accommodate the patient’s schedule and wishes. In addition, this knowledge can help them develop a schedule that works for the hospital personnel. With a few minor tweaks to the standard schedule, health care providers can help patients maintain their typical schedule, which can make discharge a much more seamless process.
References
Clement S, Braithwaite SS, Magee MF, Ahmann A, Smith EP, Schafer RG, Hirsch IB; American Diabetes Association Diabetes in Hospitals Writing Committee. Management of diabetes and hyperglycemia in hospitals. Diabetes Care. 2004 Feb;27(2):553-91.