Reduction in cardiovascular mortality following severe hypoglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the role of a pragmatic and structured intervention : Structured intervention for community hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Mortality in individuals with diabetes with severe hypoglycemia requiring ambulance services intervention is high and it is unclear whether this is modifiable. Our aim was to characterise this high-risk group and assess the impact of nurse-led intervention on mortality. METHODS: In this single centre study, patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia requiring ambulance call out were randomized to nurse led support (intensive arm) or managed using existing pathways (standard arm). A third group agreed to have their data collected longitudinally (observational arm). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality comparing intensive with combined standard and observational arms as well as standard arm alone. RESULTS: Of 828 individuals identified, 323 agreed to participate with 132 assigned to intensive, 130 to standard and 61 to observational arms. Mean follow up period was 42.6 ± 15.6 months. Mortality in type 1 diabetes (n = 158) was similar across study arms but in type 2 diabetes (n = 160) this was reduced to 33% in the intensive arm compared with 51% in the combined arm (p = 0.025) and 50% in the standard arm (p = 0.06). Cardiovascular deaths, the leading cause of mortality, was lower in the intensive arm compared with combined and standard study arms (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Medium-term mortality following severe hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of emergency services is high in those with type 2 diabetes. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, nurse-led individualized intervention reduces cardiovascular mortality compared with standard care. Large-scale multicentre studies are warranted to further investigate this approach. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov with reference NCT04422145.

Nursing interventions for people with type 1 diabetes and frequent hypoglycaemia.

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects all age ranges, for reasons unknown, and the UK has one of the highest incidences of this complex condition in the world. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune damage to the insulin-producing ß-cells found in the pancreatic islet cells, leading to severe insulin deficiency. People with diabetes need to achieve a target glyosylated haemoglobin level to avoid macro- and microvascular complications, but there is the associated risk of hypoglycaemic events. These can vary in severity and consequences but will likely always cause worry for the person living with diabetes. There are many risk factors and reasons to be explored when looking at hypoglycaemia. This case study explores the nursing interventions that can be safely worked through and prioritised, within the community setting, to allow people with diabetes to be safe from severe hypoglycaemia, thus improving their quality of life and safety, as well as reducing costs for the NHS.

Hypoglycemia in High-Risk Infants Within the Immediate Postnatal Period.

The incidence of hypoglycemia in the immediate postnatal period is rising because of the increasing rate of preterm births, maternal diabetes, and maternal obesity. Severe hypoglycemia has been considered a risk factor for neuronal cell death and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests a goal of ≥45 mg/dL (≥2.5 mmol/L) for infants who are asymptomatic within the first 48 hours. The Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) suggests that infants who are unable to maintain their blood glucose >50 mg/dL (>2.77 mmol/L) within the first 48 hours or >60 mg/dL (>3.33 mmol/L) after the first 48 hours are at risk for persistent hypoglycemia. While there is disagreement for target glucose levels within the first 48 hours, both the AAP and the PES suggest further investigation for persistent hypoglycemia beyond 48-72 hours, which is beyond the scope of this article. However, in the immediate postnatal period, much can be gained with familiarization of the two guidelines, as well as current management techniques. This article presents current definitions and treatment modalities for management of hypoglycemia in infants considered at high risk in the immediate postnatal period.

Children and young people with diabetes: recognition and management.

Diabetes mellitus (type 1) is an autoimmune condition leading to absolute insulin deficiency resulting in hyperglycaemia and its associated manifestations. It is the most common type of diabetes seen in children, characterised by the 4Ts (toilet, thinner, thirsty, tired). The signs and symptoms can sometimes be non-specific and a delay or missed diagnosis may be catastrophic to the health of the child. Children with an established diagnosis of diabetes often present to the health service with issues such as hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. The condition requires life-long monitoring and strict control of blood glucose levels with insulin replacement therapy, with the aim of achieving an HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol. There are often physical and psychosocial issues that arise from the diagnosis leading to poor control. Nurses working in different clinical settings play a vital role in raising suspicions of diabetes leading to timely diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment. They are best placed to provide essential support in helping children and their families to come to terms with the diagnosis, as well as manage this chronic condition by addressing the common issues that arise in the ongoing management, with a particular emphasis on managing the various day-to-day challenges. Two case studies are included to highlight some of the challenges that nurses may encounter while managing children with diabetes.

Shift in responsibilities in diabetes care: the Nurse-Driven Diabetes In-Hospital Treatment protocol (N-DIABIT).

AIMS: To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the Nurse-Driven Diabetes In-Hospital Treatment protocol (N-DIABIT), which consists of nurse-driven correctional therapy, in addition to physician-guided basal therapy, and is carried out by trained ward nurses. METHODS: Data on 210 patients with diabetes consecutively admitted in the 5-month period after the introduction of N-DIABIT (intervention group) were compared with the retrospectively collected data on 200 consecutive patients with diabetes admitted in the 5-month period before N-DIABIT was introduced (control group). Additional per-protocol analyses were performed in patients in whom mean patient-based protocol adherence was ≥ 70% (intervention subgroup, n = 173 vs. control subgroup, n = 196). RESULTS: There was no difference between the intervention and the control group in mean blood glucose levels (8.9 ± 0.1 and 9.1 ± 0.2 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.38), consecutive hyperglycaemic (blood glucose ≥ 10.0 mmol/l) episodes; P = 0.15), admission duration (P = 0.79), mean number of blood glucose measurements (P = 0.21) and incidence of severe hypoglycaemia (P = 0.29). Per-protocol analyses showed significant reductions in mean blood glucose levels and consecutive hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in the intervention compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of N-DIABIT by trained ward nurses in non-intensive care unit diabetes care is feasible, safe and non-inferior to physician-driven care alone. High protocol adherence was associated with improved glycaemic control.

[Diabetes care and incidence of severe hypoglycemia in nursing home facilities and nursing services: The Heidelberg Diabetes Study]. / Behandlungsqualität des Diabetes mellitus und Inzidenz schwerer Hypoglykämien in stationären und ambulanten Versorgungseinrichtungen: Heidelberger Diabetesstudie.

AIM: The goal of this study was to perform a structured analysis of the treatment quality and acute complications of geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) cared for by nursing services and nursing home facilities. Secondly, structural problems and potentials for improvement in the care of multimorbid older people with DM treated by nursing homes and nursing services were analysed from the viewpoint of geriatric nurses, managers of nursing homes and general practitioners. METHODS: In all, 77 older persons with DM from 13 nursing homes and 3 nursing services were included in the analysis (76.6% female, HbA1c 6.9 ± 1.4%, age 81.6 ± 9.9 years). Structural problems and potentials for improvement were collected from 95 geriatric nurses, 9 managers of nursing homes and 6 general practitioners using semistandardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Metabolic control was too strict in care-dependent older people with DM (mean HbA1c value: 6.9 ± 1.4 %; recommended by guidelines: 7-8%). The measurement of HbA1c was performed in 16 of 77 people (20.8%) within the last year despite a high visitation frequency of the general practitioners (12.7 ± 7.7 within the last 6 months). The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 7.8%/patient/year. Regarding the management in case of diabetes-related acute complications 33 geriatric nurses (34.7%) stated not having any written standard (nursing home 39%, geriatric services 16.7%). CONCLUSION: Complex insulin therapies are still used in older people with DM with the consequence of a high incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Concrete management standards in the case of diabetes-related acute complications for geriatric nurses are lacking for more than one third of the nursing services.

Association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and prediabetes in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between hypoglycaemia among neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus and their postpartum prediabetes. BACKGROUND: Infants born to mothers with diabetes who experienced hyperglycaemia are more likely to develop hypoglycaemia. DESIGN: A prospective-descriptive research was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. METHODS: One hundred and fifty matched pairs of mothers and their newborns were included in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic, odds ratio, Spearman's rho correlation and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was 42·37% and odds ratio was 0·30. The findings showed the significant association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and postpartum blood sugar levels of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal hypoglycaemia was associated with maternal hyperglycaemia and prediabetes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Neonatal hypoglycaemia might be used to predict prediabetes of postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Empowering the development of a nurse-driven protocol.

Results from a research project examining nurses' knowledge of diabetes empowered direct-care nurses to develop a hypoglycemia protocol, increasing accountability for the care provided and helping move from tradition-based to evidence-based practice.

Evaluation of Nurse-Driven Management of Hypoglycemia In Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients experience hypoglycemia at nearly 4 times the rate seen in non-ICU counterparts. Although inpatient hypoglycemia management relies on nurse-driven protocols, protocol adherence varies between institutions and units. OBJECTIVE: To compare hypoglycemia management between ICU and non-ICU patients in an institution with high adherence to a hypoglycemia protocol. METHODS: This secondary analysis used retrospective medical record data. Cases were ICU patients aged 18 years or older with at least 1 hypoglycemic event (blood glucose level < 70 mg/dL); non-ICU controls were matched by age within 10 years, sex, and comorbidities. Time from initial hypoglycemic blood glucose level to subsequent blood glucose recheck, number of interventions, time to normoglycemia, and number of spontaneous hypoglycemic events were compared between groups. RESULTS: The sample included 140 ICU patients and 280 non-ICU controls. Median time to blood glucose recheck did not differ significantly between groups (19 minutes for both groups). Difference in mean number of interventions before normoglycemia was statistically but not clinically significant (ICU, 1.12; non-ICU, 1.35; P < .001). Eighty-four percent of ICU patients and 86% of non-ICU patients returned to normoglycemia within 1 hour. Median time to normoglycemia was lower in ICU patients than non-ICU patients (21.5 vs 26 minutes; P = .01). About 25% of patients in both groups experienced a spontaneous hypoglycemic event. CONCLUSION: Adherence to nurse-driven hypoglycemia protocols can be equally effective in ICU and non-ICU patients. Further research is needed to determine protocol adherence barriers and patient characteristics that influence response to hypoglycemia interventions.

Inpatient hypoglycaemia: a study of nursing management.

Optimised glycaemic management during hospital admission is critical to good patient outcomes. Inpatient hypoglycaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality during the hospital stay and post-discharge. To mitigate the deleterious effects of hypoglycaemia, many hospitals have an inpatient protocol to guide clinicians. Earlier research has shown that nurses fail to follow such protocols. This descriptive study used a retrospective audit of inpatients' treatment and progress notes to examine nursing adherence to a hypoglycaemia protocol. Adult medical and surgical inpatients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and who had experienced hypoglycaemia during a three month period were included. One hundred and seventeen episodes of hypoglycaemia were identified in 32 patients who met the inclusion criteria. A predominance of these, 29 patients (90.6%), had Type 2 diabetes with 20 (62.5%) of the sample being medical patients. Diabetes medications included the use of insulin only (n = 18, 56.2%), oral hypoglycaemic agents only (n = 9, 28.1%) and five patients (15.7%) received a combination of these therapies. Three of the 117 episodes were treated with administration of intravenous glucose whilst the remaining 114 episodes were able to be treated with oral therapy. The recommended oral treatment to correct hypoglycaemia is 9-15 grams of glucose only. Adherence to most steps of the hypoglycaemia protocol was low. Initial treatment with glucose was administered in 46 (40.4%) cases. The required repeat capillary blood glucose test in 10-15 minutes was obtained in 35 (30.7%) cases. Within thirty minutes of detection, only 36.7% of episodes were corrected. A high degree of prolonged and recurrent hypoglycaemia was identified, with 40% of the episodes lasting more than one hour, and 72% of patients having more than one hypoglycaemic episode during their admission. Recommendations from the study include review of the hypoglycaemia protocol, development of strategies to help nurses prioritise the management of hypoglycaemic episodes, ongoing education for nurses, and regular re-audit.

Using nursing clinical decision support systems to achieve meaningful use.

The Health Information Technology and Clinical Health Act (one component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) is responsible for providing incentive payments to hospitals and eligible providers in an effort to support the adoption of electronic health records. Future penalties are planned for electronic health record noncompliance. In order to receive incentives and avoid penalties, hospitals and eligible providers must demonstrate "meaningful use" of their electronic health records. One of the meaningful-use objectives established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services involves the use of a clinical decision support rule that addresses a hospital-defined, high-priority condition. This article describes the Plan-Do-Study-Act process for creating and implementing a nursing clinical decision support system designed to improve guideline adherence for hypoglycemia management. This project identifies hypoglycemia management as the high-priority area. However, other facilities with different high-priority conditions may find the process presented in this article useful for implementing additional clinical decision support rules geared toward improving outcomes and meeting federal mandates.

Nurse workload in implementing a tight glycaemic control protocol in a UK hospital: a pilot time-in-motion study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The cumulative time that critical care nurses spend implementing a tight glycaemic control (TGC) protocol was estimated in a time-in-motion (TiM) study conducted in a hospital in the UK. BACKGROUND: TGC protocols were introduced to the critical care setting to reduce hyperglycaemic events in high-risk patients. The time burden to critical care nurses of implementing such protocols has not yet been studied in the UK. DESIGN: A prospective TiM pilot study was conducted in an eligible UK intensive care unit by four protocol-trained observers over five consecutive weekdays from 3 to 7 November 2008. Three nurses were also interviewed on site to gather their attitudes and perceptions about the benefits of and time associated with administering a TGC protocol. METHODS: Independent observers shadowed nurses, observing when a blood glucose measurement was taken, when each predefined subtask was completed and the duration of each task. Semistructured interviews with nurses were conducted in-person and one-on-one by a trained study member. RESULTS: Considered together, the episodic median duration of all TGC activities was 6·65 min. Across a total shift, nurses devoted approximately 7% of their time to administering a TGC protocol. Nurses perceived that a TGC protocol is beneficial to patient safety and outcomes in a critical care setting but acknowledged that the tasks can be mildly to moderately tedious. CONCLUSIONS: This TiM analysis indicated that the additional responsibility of implementing a TGC protocol represents a substantive commitment of nursing time in a critical care setting. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The episodic data of our pilot study in the UK contributes further evidence that TGC protocols may be arduous to maintain and constitute a substantial investment of nursing time.

How to manage hypoglycaemia.

Hypoglycaemia is a common side-effect of insulin therapy and of some oral hypoglycaemic tablets that stimulate insulin production. It affects quality of life, can prevent people with diabetes from achieving the blood glucose control required to reduce their risk of diabetes complications, and can also be fatal. This article defines hypoglycaemia, what causes it, how can it be identified and treated, and how nurses can support people at risk of this disabling and frightening condition.

Addressing Hospital-Acquired Hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized patients who have diabetes often experience hospital-acquired hypoglycemia, a potentially serious adverse event; as a result, management of this condition has become an important quality of care indicator in the inpatient environment. A growing body of research and evidence-based clinical guidelines support proper timing of point of care (POC) blood glucose (BG) measurements, mealtime insulin administration, and meal delivery to reduce the incidence of both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events. Monitoring and improving the timing of these three patient care interventions are recognized as a crucial step in the safe and effective care of patients with diabetes. PURPOSE: The objective of the QI project was to improve the timing of mealtime insulin administration related to bedside BG monitoring and meal delivery for patients with diabetes who receive mealtime insulin; a secondary goal was to decrease the number of episodes of recurrent hypoglycemia. The overall strategy was to change staff members' approach to mealtime insulin management from a series of individual tasks to a process-oriented collaborative approach. METHODS: Nurses on the medical-surgical unit at one hospital within a large health system formed a QI team with staff members in information technology and food and nutrition services. The team implemented an eight-week QI pilot project (July 3 to August 26, 2017) using a multidisciplinary approach to coordinate between POC BG measurement, mealtime insulin administration, and meal delivery. RESULTS: More than two years after the hospital-wide rollout of the practice change, follow-up analysis has shown that, on both noncritical and critical care units, recurrent hypoglycemia has decreased. For example, comparing data obtained in a six-month period before the pilot project (November 2016 through April 2017) with the same six-month period in 2018 and 2019, more than a year after the pilot project, the percentage of patient stays (admissions) on noncritical care units in which there was a recurrence of hypoglycemia fell from 41.8% (of 1,162 total hospital admissions) to 35.1% (of 792 total hospital admissions); similarly, the percentage of patient stays on critical care units in which recurrent hypoglycemia occurred decreased from 36.8% to 22.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that ensuring a consistent 30-minute window between POC BG measurement and meal delivery enabled nursing staff to perform timely POC BG measurements and administer a more optimal mealtime insulin dose. Increasing interdisciplinary communication, collaboration, and awareness of best practice guidelines relating to proper mealtime insulin administration resulted in a sustained improvement in timing between POC BG measurements and mealtime insulin administration and between mealtime insulin administration and meal delivery.

Minimizing hypoglycemia in the wake of a tight glycemic control protocol in hospitalized patients.

Healthcare professionals are struggling with how to best balance tight glycemic control while minimizing the potential for hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients. This article details an organizational quality improvement plan to prevent and appropriately treat hypoglycemia in the acute care setting. Innovative educational modalities coupled with electronic tracking of hypoglycemic events can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia.

Recognition and management of the infant with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is the most common overgrowth syndrome in infancy. The characteristic findings are macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, and macrosomia. Genetic studies in infants with BWS demonstrate 3 major subgroups of patients: familial, sporadic, or chromosomally abnormal. Recognition in the neonatal period is important because of the high incidence of childhood malignant tumors associated with BWS. This article provides an overview of the syndrome and discusses its etiology, physical findings, and diagnostic evaluation. Management and clinical implications including family support will also be discussed.