[Diabetes: integrated hospital and home care]

Intrahospital hyperglycemia (> 6,1 mol/l fasting, > 10 mmol/l non-fasting) is associated with a poor outcome even in non-diabetic patients, and warrants tight glycemic controls often with insulin therapy. The preferred regimen termed "intensive therapy" meets basal requirements (approximately 50% daily needs) with a long acting preparation, supplemented with short/ rapid insulins, according to meals. A multidisciplinary team involving specialized nurses, diabetologists, dieticians and podiatrists should help in-hospital staff implement such insulin therapy and provide patient management which would continue when the patient is discharged providing assistance to the patient, family and primary physician. Improving the patient's understanding with regard to diabetes complications and management will result in better compliance and therefore, disease control.