Variability in glycosylated hemoglobin values in diabetic patients living in long-term care facilities

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diabetes and mean A1C of patients in long-term care facilities (LTCFs); to determine differences in A1C values based on patient characteristics; and to examine the self-reported practices of providers regarding diabetes management goals.

Twelve-month retrospective review of patient charts; survey of physicians and nurse practitioners providing care to these patients.

Nursing facility practice of an urban teaching hospital.

Participants included 168 diabetic patients living in 20 nursing facilities and 18 physician and nurse practitioners in one practice providing care to these patients.

The prevalence of diabetes was 21.6% (168 of 778 patients). Mean A1C was 7.1% +/- 1.2%for 135 patients who had AIC values measured during the study interval. A1C varied by age, with patients younger than 65 having higher A1C values than patients older than 65. Higher A1C values were associated with insulin use, frequent glucose monitoring, and attending a diabetes clinic. Although a survey of providers identified modifying A1C target ranges for LTCF compared with ambulatory patients, they did not reach consensus on the actual target A1C. No association between provider perception of either patient health status or patient life expectancy and A1C values was found.

Relatively low A1C values were obtainable in LTCF patients without diabetes specialty clinic use. Providers identified modifying target A1C values for LTCF patients, but achieved relatively low A1C values and did not agree on a target A1C value for LTCF patients.