Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Effect of a Personalized Diabetes Action Plan in Patients with Elevated Hemoglobin A1cs
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Start Date
11-4-2014 8:30 AM
End Date
11-4-2014 10:00 AM
Sponsor
Deborah Zeitlin (Butler University)
Description
Background: One of the most severe events a patient with diabetes may experience is a hypoglycemic event. Studies show patients may not be receiving enough education to prevent them. On average, physicians spend 1 minute out of a 20 minute appointment discussing treatment and necessary lifestyle changes for patients. In most patients, hypoglycemic attacks occur at a plasma blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl, but in poorly controlled patients it may occur at higher blood glucose levels. There is not enough data available to inform diabetic patients who are accustomed to higher blood glucose levels at what levels they may experience a hypoglycemic attack.
Study objective: The focus of this study is to create a hypoglycemic action plan to help empower patients with diabetes on the appropriate self-treatment of a perceived hypoglycemic event.
Procedure: This retrospective study will assess patients who met with a pharmacist at the IU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center and an individualized hypoglycemic action plan was created. Goal blood glucose levels for each patient will be determined including 2 hours post-prandial, fasting, and random. Patients will be educated on potential symptoms and actions to initiate based on symptoms and corresponding blood glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1c values will be compared at baseline and 3 months after plan development.
Significance: Creation of an individualized hypoglycemic action plan may decrease the chances of a severe hypoglycemic event from occurring. This can prevent the patient from unnecessary harm such as loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, coronary ischemia, and death. The most important goal would be for the patient to gain more confidence in managing their diabetes by being more aware of the early signs of low blood sugars and provide improved blood glucose control.
Effect of a Personalized Diabetes Action Plan in Patients with Elevated Hemoglobin A1cs
Indianapolis, IN
Background: One of the most severe events a patient with diabetes may experience is a hypoglycemic event. Studies show patients may not be receiving enough education to prevent them. On average, physicians spend 1 minute out of a 20 minute appointment discussing treatment and necessary lifestyle changes for patients. In most patients, hypoglycemic attacks occur at a plasma blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl, but in poorly controlled patients it may occur at higher blood glucose levels. There is not enough data available to inform diabetic patients who are accustomed to higher blood glucose levels at what levels they may experience a hypoglycemic attack.
Study objective: The focus of this study is to create a hypoglycemic action plan to help empower patients with diabetes on the appropriate self-treatment of a perceived hypoglycemic event.
Procedure: This retrospective study will assess patients who met with a pharmacist at the IU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center and an individualized hypoglycemic action plan was created. Goal blood glucose levels for each patient will be determined including 2 hours post-prandial, fasting, and random. Patients will be educated on potential symptoms and actions to initiate based on symptoms and corresponding blood glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1c values will be compared at baseline and 3 months after plan development.
Significance: Creation of an individualized hypoglycemic action plan may decrease the chances of a severe hypoglycemic event from occurring. This can prevent the patient from unnecessary harm such as loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, coronary ischemia, and death. The most important goal would be for the patient to gain more confidence in managing their diabetes by being more aware of the early signs of low blood sugars and provide improved blood glucose control.