Diabetes Emergencies: Hyperglycaemia

Course Overview

This Course will focus on high blood glucose levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which can have a catastrophic impact on the individual’s health requiring immediate hospital intervention.

Topics

• Review of the pathogenesis of diabetes;
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA);
• Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).

Need

Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic health condition in Australia. While hyperglycaemia is present when diabetes is diagnosed, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels may remain high once treatment is instituted. Studies have shown a strong, consistent relationship between hyperglycaemia and microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications such as nephropathy and amputation respectively. Additionally, hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an acute complication associated with a high mortality rate if not efficiently and effectively treated.

Studies have shown a strong, consistent relationship between hyperglycaemia and microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications such as nephropathy and amputation respectively. Additionally, hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an acute complication associated with a high mortality rate if not efficiently and effectively treated.

Purpose

To provide health professionals with current, evidence-based information concerning hyperglycaemia, its prevention and management, in order to prevent complications for the person with diabetes.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify patients at high risk of developing hyperglycaemia and initiate appropriate assessment, blood glucose monitoring, referral and pathology.
• Use knowledge of the pathophysiology of poor glycaemic control to assist people with diabetes to recognise and act on presenting signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia.
• Link recommended emergency management of hyperglycaemic episodes with best nursing practice to minimise the risk of complications for patients.

Target Audience

All healthcare professionals, especially credentialed diabetes educators.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educator

Michelle Robins

Michelle Robins is a credentialed diabetes educator with 23 years of experience in many aspects of diabetes care and education. She is currently employed as a Nurse Practitioner by Northern Health. Her past employment, as a diabetes educator, has included major tertiary hospital settings – including St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Melbourne Division of General Practice, Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service, and, in Queensland, Logan/Beaudesert Health Service. Michelle has served on more than 40 diabetes-related committees, written book chapters, and is consistently highly evaluated in her teaching role. See Educator Profile