JBDS publish revised hypoglycaemia management guideline

Healthcare professionals can now access updated guidance on how best to manage hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes who are admitted to hospital.

The Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS-IP) has issued the amended version of the Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus guideline to enhance inpatient care for people with the condition.

As part of the update, the management section and management algorithm is now located at the front of the document, making it easier for people to access the most frequently used sections.

Other amendments include:

• The possibility of “looming” hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes in hospital is discussed when blood glucose levels are in the range 4.0 – 6.0mmol/L. The importance of proactive adjustment of diabetes treatment and individualised targets for glycaemic control has been highlighted for people with diabetes in hospital.
• The introduction clarifies the treatment of people with diabetes aged 16 to 18.
• The term glucose has been consistently applied to glucose containing preparations suitable for intravenous administration.
• The amount of intravenous glucose administered has now been specified, instead of a suggested range, to make treatment in an emergency situation easier.
• The guidelines now use the term ‘people/person with diabetes in hospital’ rather than ‘patients’ or ‘inpatients’ where possible.

The updated document maintains that hypoglycaemia is still one of the most feared short-term complications in people with diabetes.

View the revised recommendations here.

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