• To improve your knowledge of the causes, pathophysiology and treatment of the acute complications of diabetes mellitus, in particular diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
• To understand what is involved in the assessment and management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, which will enable you to provide effective patient care
• To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
• To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
Nurses commonly encounter patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus in their practice. Management of these conditions requires an in-depth knowledge of blood glucose monitoring. It is essential that nurses are aware of normal blood glucose levels, so that they can respond to complications caused by elevated and reduced blood glucose levels. This article aims to enhance nurses’ knowledge of the acute metabolic complications of diabetes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, to assist in their recognition and management in clinical practice. It discusses the causes, pathophysiology and treatment of these complications, which are regarded as potentially life-threatening medical emergencies.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11250
CitationPalk LE (2018) Assessing and managing the acute complications of diabetes mellitus. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11250
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Published online: 06 November 2018
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