Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood sugar less than 4mmol/l. It is defined clinically in the presence of Whipple’s triad, characterized by signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, low plasma glucose and reversal of symptoms on correction of hypoglycemia. Inpatients prevalence of hypoglycemia ranges from 3.5% to 10.5% with the majority of patients affected having diabetes and receiving insulin therapy¹. Hypoglycemia is one of the side effects of intensive glycemic control and between 20-25% of in patients with diabetes will experience hypoglycemia during hospital stay². Hypoglycemia’s is also associated with poorer outcomes and reduced quality of life in patients living with diabetes². Patients are at increased risk of hypoglycemia, especially those prescribed glucose lowering drugs like insulin and sulfonylurea. Around 25% of patients who are admitted to hospitals take glycemic lowering medications. Inpatient hypoglycemia increases morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increases hospital 30 day readmission rates and also increases the cost of treatment³. Mortally among inpatients with hypoglycemia are high as 6.5%, compared to 3.8% in those who do not experience hypoglycemia4. Therefore, it is important that healthcare workers are knowledgeable in the recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia⁴.

Aims and Objectives: This audit aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare staff (nonconsultant) hospital doctors and nurses of the local hypoglycemia management protocol among inpatients in our hospital.

Guidelines: Our local protocol for the treatment of hypoglycemia present in every ward.

Methods: Over a two week period between the dates off 10/10/2023 and 25/10/2023 a best of five questionnaires was administered at random to 60 non consultant hospital doctors and nurses. These questionnaires were collected in common areas such ED, Wards, ICU, CCU in relation to definitions, treatment and prevention of hypoglycemia were gathered under observation and analyzed against the hospital policy to determine awareness of the local policy.

Results:

Conclusion: To sum up, our audit findings highlight a concerning lack of awareness regarding hypoglycemia management. This knowledge gap significantly affect patient safety, as timely and appropriate intervention is critical in preventing severe consequences. The results suggests the need for increased education and training of healthcare providers, to improve their understanding of hypoglycemia and how to manage it effectively. This can significantly lead to better outcomes and an enhanced quality of patient’s life.

Recommendations: • Regular training programs. • Use visual aids and handouts. • Regular audits.