Hypoglycaemia in residential care homes

Abstract

Hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic complication occurring in older people with type 2 diabetes. Limited data are available about prevalence of diabetes or its complications in care homes. However, the prevalence of residents with diabetes in care homes seems to be significant. There is high level of disability, dependency, and polypharmacy among residents in these settings. Hypoglycaemia is both an important adverse reaction of treatment and an outcome measure. This study reviews the relevant literature and reports a case of hypoglycaemia to demonstrate the causes of hypoglycaemia, characteristics of these patients, and the complexity of their problems. ©British Journal of General Practice.