A Systematic Approach for the Prevention and Reduction of Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients

Paulina Cruz, Mary Clare Blackburn, Garry S. Tobin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia (SH) in the inpatient setting are associated with poor outcomes. This review is designed to highlight approaches to predict and prevent inpatient hypoglycemia that has been successfully implemented focusing on developing overlapping policies and procedures that allow safe glycemic management to occur at all levels of the institution. Recent Findings: Standardizing point-of-care (POC) testing, nursing protocols, meal delivery, and formulary restriction are useful tools to prevent hypoglycemia. Informatics and real-time alert processes are highly effective tools to reduce hypoglycemia but require a significant investment in time and infrastructure as well as clear policies on how alerts are acted upon. Computerized dosing support technology and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology are an emerging area of investigation showing promising results. Summary: Inpatient hypoglycemia is often predictable and preventable and requires institutional support to deliver targeted and safe diabetes care. This requires each institution to do periodic reassessment of policies and technologies. Future research needs to focus on the cost/benefits of interventions including studies of automated dosing algorithms as well as CGM in higher-risk patient populations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117
JournalCurrent diabetes reports
Volume17
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017

Keywords

  • Inpatient diabetes
  • Inpatient hypoglycemia
  • Insulin therapy
  • Prediction and prevention of hypoglycemia

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