Is the use of “sliding-scale” insulin recommended in long-term care patients?
Prolonged use of “sliding-scale” insulin is not recommended in long-term care facilities. Widespread use of sliding-scale insulin results in greater patient morbidity and increased nursing time because patients’ blood glucose levels must be monitored more frequently and more insulin injections must be given. As a result, the patient’s activities and quality of life may be compromised. • What is the most feared short-term complication of treatment for diabetes? Hypoglycemia is the most feared short-term complication of treatment for diabetes. If not promptly recognized and treated it can result in long-term disability, particularly in cognitively impaired individuals. Although the frequency of hypoglycemia in long-term care patients is not known, its incidence rises exponentially with age. • What is the medication of choice for hypertensive patients with diabetes? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the medication of choice whenever possible for hypertensive patients with
