BCHS now testing blood sugar levels
of all adult patients
Blood sugar, the term used to refer to the levels of
glucose in the blood, is the primary source of energy
for the body's cells. When glucose levels stay within
a certain level, the body continues to function appropriately.
But if a person is stressed those levels can change
dramatically causing ill health.
Battle Creek Health System is aware of those potential
changes as a result of stress and has instituted a new
policy of checking the blood sugar of every adult patient
that is admitted to the hospital at least twice during
their stay. Patients are tested once within the first
hour of admittance and again within six hours to compare
readings. Depending upon the results, additional tests
may be administered. The purpose of this new protocol
is for BCHS to help the patient avoid dramatic changes
in their blood sugar levels so the body can heal more
rapidly. Testing helps the patient's health care team
keep blood sugar at safe levels and under control.
"BCHS has taken on this new project for a number
of reasons," says Deb Todak, RN, director of patient
care services at Battle Creek Health System. "One
real motivator for us was a government study that concluded
that blood sugar control has a significant impact on
health-related outcomes during a patient's hospital
stay. High sugar counts in the blood stream is bad because
it causes inflammation which makes it harder for the
body to heal. If we can discover a higher than normal
level of blood sugar earlier in the stay, we can help
the patient manage their condition so they can be discharged
earlier and have a better health condition outcome."
Why would a patient have high blood sugar?
Normally blood glucose levels stay within narrow limits
throughout the day, rising after meals and are usually
lowest in the morning, before the first meal of the
day. But it is not unusual for patients to have elevated
blood sugar while in the hospital even if they do not
have diabetes. A higher blood sugar level is a way the
body responds to injury or stress. Since being in the
hospital is not a normal routine, the body tends to
react to the new environment-often through an increase
in blood pressure as well as elevated blood sugars.
Studies have shown that certain patients get better
more quickly if their blood sugar is controlled. In
general, patients in the research studies had fewer
infections or complications and went home sooner when
their blood sugar was controlled.
If a patient's blood sugar level is too high, they
will probably receive a small dose of insulin. That
is the same thing your body creates to keep your glucose
level in a normal range. The insulin can be administered
by a shot or by adding it to an intravenous (IV) drip.
But it is also important that blood sugar level does
not drop too low either. The testing that BCHS does
helps the health care team make certain that the patient
has the correct medication and food to keep their blood
sugars in control.
Patients often ask if they are or will be diabetic
if they are given insulin. The common answer is 'Not
necessarily.' High blood sugar in a hospital setting
is usually temporary. Most patients who did not have
diabetes when they came in to the hospital will get
back to normal after they recover.
"We try to emphasize to our patients that they
should remember that controlling their blood sugar plays
an important role in helping them not only recover more
quickly, but also maintain good health," says Todak.
"We suggest that after discharge they talk with
their health care provider to find out more about blood
sugar testing."
Research shows that if a person is able to control
their blood sugar level, in the short run, they will
not only feel better and have more energy, but they
will also stay healthier.
Battle Creek Health System is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and has earned the Joint Commission's 'Gold Seal of Approval.' Battle Creek Health System is the recipient of the 2005 and 2006 HealthGrades 'Distinguished Hospital Award for Patient SafetyTM.' HealthGrades, a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide, has also named BCHS a 2006 five-star performer in vascular services. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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