The Endocrine Society released a new clinical practice guideline (CPG) that recommends blood glucose testing for patients who are admitted to hospitals. The new guidelines came from medical experts responsible for managing hyperglycemia in patients whose conditions are non-critical.

What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is a condition where glucose or sugar levels in the blood are high. Our sugar levels normally go up and down, especially after meals. However, there are people who experience chronic hyperglycemia and this leads to complications like organ damage, blood vessel damage, and diabetes.

Experts also found, through previous observational studies and trials, that this condition can prolong a patient’s stay in a hospital. That’s why it’s important that inpatients undergo blood glucose test, so that doctors can manage the patient’s glucose levels while being treated. They also found that patients with normal or managed glycemic levels have shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.

The New Guidelines

The Endocrine Society recommends that hospitals follow these new guidelines:

• For patients who are not in critical condition, premeal glucose should be less than 140 mg/dL and less than 180 mg/dL when tested at random.
• The hospital should have a subcutaneous insulin intake schedule for patients who are already taking insulin at home.
• Patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes who are having surgery must have all necessary insulin doses they need to maintain normal levels of blood glucose during the operation.
• Patients with high levels of glucose during admission, who are using an IV or feeding tube for nourishment, must have continuous point-of-care glucose testing.
• Patients suffering from type 1 and 2 diabetes should undergo transition before they discontinue their IV insulin infusion. Hospitals must schedule a subcutaneous therapy at least 1 hour before discontinuing infusion.

These guidelines were approved and recommended by experts to prevent infection or worsen illness. Having blood glucose levels managed would mean a faster recovery and fewer days in the hospital.

Source:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/756541?sssdmh=dm1.748809&src=nldne

http://www.endocrinetoday.com/view.aspx?rid=91010

Posted under Diabetes
Tags: Blood Glucose Test, Blood Glucose Testing, glucose test, glucose testing.