NavyDiver
14th January 2025, 04:04 PM
I thought some of you might be interested in my usual RANT/feedback I sent this to a few people/organizations today. Feel free to use to any of your health types if you have any interest in the topic
Link to Professor Alan Sinclair, of the Foundation for Diabetes Research Older people with diabetes vulnerable due to disjointed care - Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (https://www.drwf.org.uk/news-and-events/news/older-people-with-diabetes-vulnerable-to-poor-health-due-to-disjointed-care-services/)
He says it better than I can of course. I am not Diabetic very thankfully. I know people who are!.
Subject: Feedback and Suggestions for Improving Diabetes Care Management
Summary:Effective diabetes management is essential to prevent complications such as frailty, dependency, disability, and reduced life expectancy, as well as to avoid significant costs related to ambulance services and emergency care. Disjointed care across various settings—home care, general practice, hospitals, and community healthcare—can lead to poor outcomes for individuals with diabetes. Therefore, a standardized, clear, and concise Diabetes Action and Management Plan is necessary to ensure comprehensive care and consistent management.
This plan should be accessible to all individuals involved in diabetes care, including home care providers, general practitioners, community healthcare professionals, and hospital staff. It should be incorporated into the Medicare Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care and be funded under the M.B.S.
Proposed Diabetes Action and Management Plan:This plan should be led by the patient’s General Practitioner (GP) or an endocrinologist and should include the following key components:
[B]Blood Glucose Level (BGL) Target Range
Medication Instructions:
Long-Acting Insulin: Set dose
Short-Acting Insulin: Adjusted according to BGL
Additional Short-Acting Insulin for carbohydrate intake
A carbohydrate counting guide or resources
Actions for Hypoglycemia (BGL < 4.0 mmol/L)
Actions for Hyperglycemia (BGL ≥ 15.0 mmol/L)
Immediate corrective actions to be taken.
Background:I recently observed my family member in a hospital setting, where they were administered the same fixed dose of short-acting insulin at regular intervals, regardless of fluctuations in blood glucose levels. In one instance, nursing staff were unsure how much additional insulin should be administered for meals, and the patient, often confused by their fluctuating blood sugar levels, struggled to communicate effectively with staff. I noticed that no instructions were in place to guide adjustments for varying blood glucose levels.
Despite raising these concerns with diabetic education staff, it became clear that essential knowledge and instructions were not readily available for all hospital personnel. On the third day, diabetic education staff created a reference guide for insulin doses based on blood glucose levels, which was useful for both hospital staff and the patient at home. However, a more structured and universally accessible Diabetes Action and Management Plan could significantly improve care.
Key Insights:Recent research highlights the fragmented nature of diabetes care, especially for older individuals. Professor Alan Sinclair, a recognized expert in diabetes care for the elderly, warns that such fragmentation leaves people more vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Over a quarter of care home residents have type 2 diabetes, underscoring the need for consistent and well-coordinated care. Poor diabetes management leads to complications, frailty, and even premature death.
In addition, Diabetes Vic advocates for a Diabetes Action and Management Plan for all children and students with type 1 diabetes in schools, emphasizing the importance of structured care. However, the absence of specific insulin dosage information in some existing plans is concerning.
Conclusion:This suggestion is intended to improve the care for people living with diabetes and should not be viewed as a criticism of the individual healthcare providers or organizations mentioned. I appreciate the efforts of general practice doctors, district nurses, community care teams, and hospital staff. I hope that the feedback provided here will help in the ongoing development of effective, coordinated, and patient-centered diabetes care.
Thank you for considering this feedback and suggestion. Please feel free to use any part of this submission to further enhance diabetes care.
Sincerely,[Your Name]
References:
Diabetes Vic: School Diabetes Management Plan [Link]
RACGP Summary of Recommendations [Link]
Integrating Care for People with Diabetes: Statewide Initiative [Link]
Link to Professor Alan Sinclair, of the Foundation for Diabetes Research Older people with diabetes vulnerable due to disjointed care - Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (https://www.drwf.org.uk/news-and-events/news/older-people-with-diabetes-vulnerable-to-poor-health-due-to-disjointed-care-services/)
He says it better than I can of course. I am not Diabetic very thankfully. I know people who are!.
Subject: Feedback and Suggestions for Improving Diabetes Care Management
Summary:Effective diabetes management is essential to prevent complications such as frailty, dependency, disability, and reduced life expectancy, as well as to avoid significant costs related to ambulance services and emergency care. Disjointed care across various settings—home care, general practice, hospitals, and community healthcare—can lead to poor outcomes for individuals with diabetes. Therefore, a standardized, clear, and concise Diabetes Action and Management Plan is necessary to ensure comprehensive care and consistent management.
This plan should be accessible to all individuals involved in diabetes care, including home care providers, general practitioners, community healthcare professionals, and hospital staff. It should be incorporated into the Medicare Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care and be funded under the M.B.S.
Proposed Diabetes Action and Management Plan:This plan should be led by the patient’s General Practitioner (GP) or an endocrinologist and should include the following key components:
[B]Blood Glucose Level (BGL) Target Range
Medication Instructions:
Long-Acting Insulin: Set dose
Short-Acting Insulin: Adjusted according to BGL
Additional Short-Acting Insulin for carbohydrate intake
A carbohydrate counting guide or resources
Actions for Hypoglycemia (BGL < 4.0 mmol/L)
Actions for Hyperglycemia (BGL ≥ 15.0 mmol/L)
Immediate corrective actions to be taken.
Background:I recently observed my family member in a hospital setting, where they were administered the same fixed dose of short-acting insulin at regular intervals, regardless of fluctuations in blood glucose levels. In one instance, nursing staff were unsure how much additional insulin should be administered for meals, and the patient, often confused by their fluctuating blood sugar levels, struggled to communicate effectively with staff. I noticed that no instructions were in place to guide adjustments for varying blood glucose levels.
Despite raising these concerns with diabetic education staff, it became clear that essential knowledge and instructions were not readily available for all hospital personnel. On the third day, diabetic education staff created a reference guide for insulin doses based on blood glucose levels, which was useful for both hospital staff and the patient at home. However, a more structured and universally accessible Diabetes Action and Management Plan could significantly improve care.
Key Insights:Recent research highlights the fragmented nature of diabetes care, especially for older individuals. Professor Alan Sinclair, a recognized expert in diabetes care for the elderly, warns that such fragmentation leaves people more vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Over a quarter of care home residents have type 2 diabetes, underscoring the need for consistent and well-coordinated care. Poor diabetes management leads to complications, frailty, and even premature death.
In addition, Diabetes Vic advocates for a Diabetes Action and Management Plan for all children and students with type 1 diabetes in schools, emphasizing the importance of structured care. However, the absence of specific insulin dosage information in some existing plans is concerning.
Conclusion:This suggestion is intended to improve the care for people living with diabetes and should not be viewed as a criticism of the individual healthcare providers or organizations mentioned. I appreciate the efforts of general practice doctors, district nurses, community care teams, and hospital staff. I hope that the feedback provided here will help in the ongoing development of effective, coordinated, and patient-centered diabetes care.
Thank you for considering this feedback and suggestion. Please feel free to use any part of this submission to further enhance diabetes care.
Sincerely,[Your Name]
References:
Diabetes Vic: School Diabetes Management Plan [Link]
RACGP Summary of Recommendations [Link]
Integrating Care for People with Diabetes: Statewide Initiative [Link]