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Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes
Foundation
150 153rd Ave,
Suite 300
Madeira Beach, FL 33708

DIABeducation™
By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

Hospitalization: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

No one likes hospitalization, but being prepared makes a difference. Did you know people with diabetes have higher rates of hospitalization, an average stay of 5.4 days, and require more services than for people without diabetes?

According to a landmark review, “Management of Diabetes and Hyperglycemia in Hospitals” published in Diabetes Care at least 25% of hospitalized adults have diabetes. That’s a lot of people! This review clearly showed high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) are associated with poor hospital outcomes.

So what is hyperglycemia?

A fasting glucose more than 126, or
A random glucose more than 200

Two major recommendations in this article will shock most nurses and physicians:

Maintain glucose levels less than 110 before meals and less than 180 after meals
Scheduled insulin (instead of sliding scale used alone) or intravenous insulin improves recovery

What can you do?

Bring or be your own advocate. Be ready to educate the healthcare team. You know your diabetes best.
Ask questions about your glucose levels and medications. Some diabetes pills are stopped prior to surgery.
Stress can raise glucose levels, even when not eating. Insulin is often needed to control diabetes in the hospital.
Use the hospital’s resources. Request an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist doctor) referral. See the diabetes nurse educator or dietitian to help with specific concerns.
The bad and ugly aspects of hospitalization can turn to good, with some planning and vigilance. It’s like disaster planning — if it hits, you’ll be ready.