Blood Glucose Management

Question 1

Normal parameters for blood glucose readings

Answer 1

Diabetic: pre-meal 4-7mmol/L, 2 hours post-meal <8.5mmol/L

Diabetic on insulin: pre-meal <7.8mmol/L, random <10mmol/L

Non-diabetic: fasting/waking 3.9-5.5mmol/L, random 3.9-7.8mmol/L

Question 2

Who needs BGL monitoring

Answer 2

Diabetic patients

Critically ill patients who do not have diabetes

Question 3

What to do when results show abnormal findings

Answer 3

Low BGL (potential to develop hypoglycaemia) is an emergency so hit emergency button
High or normal BGL- you would record in documentation and then inform shift coordinator/RN

Question 4

Rationale for performing BGL monitoring

Answer 4

Glucose is the source of energy for all reactions in the body- need to ensure levels are within normal range so body properly functions, if not can lead to other medical issues or emergencies
Particularly important for diabetics or those critically ill.