[Transition from acute inpatient to chronic outpatient diabetes care: an symbolic situation]

During an acute hospital stay, unpredictable glycemic changes related to the combined effects of multiple factors always ask for an increased attention to diabetes management. Initially an insulin treatment which has to be adjusted individually based on continuous glycemic follow-up is usually inevitable. This requires adequate coordination between the various health-care professionals who are simultaneously and successively involved in patient care. A proper discharge plan including reassessment of treatment, developed in consultation with the practicioners in charge of outpatient follow-up is a key component of this process. As in other complex conditions, deficiencies in this field are associated with increased errors and costs, which can be improved through interventions targeting inpatient to outpatient transition.