Diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Inpatient glucose control today is complex and challenging for the clinician. The importance of avoiding wide swings in the BG levels and hypoglycemic events cannot be underestimated. Nurses must be at the table as insulin protocols or physician order sets are being developed to address issues with readability and understanding. Education of all staff is extremely important with follow-up education at intervals for both nurses and physician providers. While there are no official guidelines for quality of inpatient glycemic control, a multidisciplinary team consisting of key physicians (endocrinology and others), clinical nurse specialists, and diabetes educator and clinical pharmacist can develop quality improvement projects for monitoring and process improvement. Continuous monitoring of practices will reduce the risk for errors and support safe practices.