Residents of post-acute and long-term care (PA/LTC) facilities who have diabetes often take multiple medications and experience frequent infections, high rates of cardiovascular complications, dehydration, hospitalizations, hyperosmolar states, and physical and cognitive disability.
A comprehensive approach to diabetes management may improve glycemic control and reduce the progression of existing complications that result in morbidity and premature mortality. This CPG recommends processes that should help PA/LTC facilities systematically manage and improve the care of residents with diabetes.
Potential benefits associated with the implementation of this guideline include:
- Earlier identification of diabetes and its complications;
- Better documentation of, and rationale for, patients' personal goals and decision-making processes regarding their disease and its treatment;
- A decline in the rate of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events;
- A decline in the frequency of infection, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration;
- A decline in the rate of progression of diabetic complications;
- A reduction in emergency room visits and hospitalizations caused by uncontrolled diabetes;
- A reduction in direct and indirect patient care costs as a result of more appropriate resource utilization;
- Improved monitoring and treatment protocols; and
- Improved staff education and awareness of this complex progressive disease.
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