Treatment of diabetes in long-term care facilities: A primary care approach

Abstract

In appropriate long-term care residents, considerable reduction in complications can be effectively realized. In one study,35 89% of nonterminal residents with diabetes in an academic nursing home had an A1C < 7%; 84% had blood pressure levels of < 130/80 mmHg; and 89% had LDL cholesterol levels of < 100 mg/dl. When balanced against the individual needs and wishes of residents and family members, along with life expectancy and other comorbid conditions, logical treatment plans can be implemented within the guidelines of evidence-based algorithms for blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid management in long-term care residents with diabetes.