blood glucose levels

[traumamomtx]

I need a little help. I had a pt all the time ask me why they have to have their blood sugar continually checked when they are not diabetic at all. I know the answer of sickness, maintaining a good level, and all that affects the healing process and blah, blah, blah. But sometimes they don't seem to put one and one together. I sometimes think that just because it is a check off on the standing order sheet at our hospital the M.D.'s just go down the line checking everything instead of what is needed; old CYA.

Anyone have a good explanation they give their non-diabetic pts for finger sticks and sliding scale insulin tx.

thanks

[bigsyis]

It could be because of medications that they are being given. Steroids can elevate BG levels, and TPN certainly can. I am sure there are others, but those two immediately come to mind.

Also, they might be looking for a trend to correlate with a patient's complaints. If the BG rises or drops sharply at some point during the day, that can help with the MD's diagnosis.

[woody62, RN]

It could be due to medications or it could be protection, by the physician, against failure to catch a new diabetic. Type 2 affects approximately 95% of those diagnosed as diabetic. And people are younger and younger when diagnosed.

Woody:balloons:

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

Many studies have shown a positive correlation between keeping BG levels at the norm and faster recovery. When I'm camping people and doing a fingerstick, I just tell them that. Most people are happy to do anything that will get them out of the hospital faster.

[JR816, BSN, RN]

It is a standard at our facility to check the BS q6 when a pt is started on tpn because of the high amount of dextrose in the solution. I also see a difference in BS levels when a pt is maintained at NPO status for a long period of time.

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

I know there has been a big push for BG control post surgery and on the cardiac floors. I was told it was proven that all patients have improved outcomes by keeping the blood sugar in the normal ranges. Surgical incisions heal quicker, and time in the spent in the hospital has been reduced. Medications as previously noted like steriods definately make blood sugar spike, so of course BG must be controlled.

Its nice if the nurse can explain it to their patient, but truthfully I think the physician should provide the information as of the whys, and how in the long run the patient will benefit. I think this would stop the contant complaining and questioning that accompanies these orders.

Maisy;)

[leslie :-D]

i always thought that cortisol levels rose with an increased stress response.

ok, here's the link. it is r/t cortisol levels.

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

leslie

[EmmaG, RN]

I've also had patients who have sworn to me they aren't diabetic, all the while their BS runs in the mid 100's and higher.

Not only medications, but illness, surgery and trauma will increase blood glucose levels.

[ayla2004, ASN, RN]

sliding scale insulin can be given to reduce potassium levels

occurs in icu here

[woody62, RN]

I am a Type 2 insulin dependent diabetic. And I have been since 1990. TPN automatically gets finger sticks, as to anyone on IV steroids, and those post surgical, even if they are not yet diagnosed. I've been getting steroids since the 70's. But until 2000, I was never put on a sliding scale in house or at home. Times and treatment methods change over time. Most people will accept an explanation.

Woody:balloons: