Critical care nursing quarterly
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Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in acutely ill patients with and without diabetes. One third of all patients admitted to tertiary care facilities have hyperglycemia, with approximately 12% having had no prior history of diabetes. Hyperglycemia adversely affects fluid balance, predisposes to infection, morbidity following acute cardiovascular events, and increases the risk for renal failure, polyneuropathy, and mortality in ICU patients. ⋯ Current research, however, demonstrates that even modest degrees of hyperglycemia are associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Safe implementation of normoglycemia in intensive care patients can be labor intensive and requires well-formulated treatment strategies and interdisciplinary support. Therefore, understanding the importance of intensive glucose control, being comfortable with current clinical treatment modalities, and having the necessary resources to provide this type of care, are vital to critical care nursing practice today.
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Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), also called the insulin pump, has emerged as a safe and effective therapy in the last 20 years. Utilization of CSII in several studies has shown reductions in hypoglycemia and improvement in glycemic control compared with multiple daily injections. Diabetes mellitus is often a comorbid condition in patients requiring critical care. ⋯ With solid evidence as to the benefits of this therapy in diabetes and the heightened attention to the importance of optimal inpatient glycemic control, guidelines and tested protocols for CSII use during hospitalization are warranted. We share our own guidelines for the inpatient management of the insulin pump which has allowed our hospital to address the unique challenges that pump users present with during acute illness. A general overview of the insulin pump's history, rationale for use, patient selection, and implementation is also discussed.
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The number of people with diabetes is growing to epidemic proportions in the United States. There is a great deal of research on the evolving understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes as compared to normoglycemia. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes have become streamlined to more appropriately and accurately diagnose the disease. ⋯ The complications of diabetes have implications for the increasing number of people with the diagnosis who are hospitalized and how they are treated. There are specific methods for recognition and treatment of both acute and chronic complications in the hospitalized patent with diabetes. Managing blood glucose control is essential for favorable outcomes.
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The purpose of this article was to provide an overview of the management of the hospitalized patient with diabetes. Having a basic knowledge of their needs is essential to maintain blood glucose control and reduce the risk of long-term complications. ⋯ The most frequent reason for hypoglycemia is insulin administration along with a reduction in the amount of carbohydrate consumed. Practical advice is included to aid the medical staff to help maintain consistency in the amount of carbohydrate in meals as well as increase the knowledge base of carbohydrate content of common foods.
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease with serious microvascular and macrovascular complications. Individuals with DM have a higher rate of surgical procedures. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that poor perioperative glucose control is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. ⋯ A variety of treatment options are now available for the management of DM. With judicious use of these regimens it should be possible to maintain good glycemic control in the perioperative period. A collaborative approach involving the surgical team, nursing professionals, primary care physicians, and specialists should be capable of successfully implementing effective regimens in the perioperative period.