Managing care for people with diabetes undergoing dialysis

Caring for patients with diabetes undergoing dialysis often proves challenging for staff working in haemodialysis units as they are not experts in diabetes and unfamiliar with insulin dosing regimens and the impact dialysis can have on blood sugar levels and lifestyle adjustment. There is a need to improve the knowledge base of renal healthcare professionals to better understand the physiology of diabetes, its relationship with end stage kidney disease, and potential changes that can take place when commencing dialysis.

The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of diabetes, associated risk factors, and complications associated with combined kidney disease & diabetes. In addition, readers will learn about the impact of dialysis on this complex patient group; adjustments which need to be made to accommodate haemodialysis schedules e.g. timing of meals and insulin requirements; treatment time including travel; the monitoring of blood glucose levels: increased risk of hypoglycaemia; review of oral glycaemic medication and the need to maintain regular health checks and contact with diabetes teams.

Specialist evidence based guidelines for the management of patients with diabetes receiving haemodialysis are readily available and can be used to support clinical practice. One of the key components to improving the patient experience is to maintain collaborative working relationship between renal and diabetes teams.

After reading this paper the reader will be able to Understand the risk factors and complications of diabetes and relate to patients in their care Critically review the management of patients undergoing dialysis with diabetes Gain knowledge and understanding of changes in the dosing of insulin needed for patients receiving dialysis Understand how clinical guidelines can be applied in practice.