Increased prevalence of diabetes in the community has been accompanied by an increase in diabetes in hospitalised patients. About a quarter of these patients experience a hypoglycaemic episode during their admission, which is associated with increased risk of mortality and length of stay. This article examines the aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes using a case study approach. The psychosocial implications for the patient are also discussed. The case study is based on a patient with diabetes who was admitted to hospital following a hypoglycaemic episode and cared for during a practice placement. The importance of early diagnosis of diabetes and the adverse effects of delayed diagnosis are discussed.
Nursing Standard. 29, 5, 37-43. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.5.37.e9142
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 20 May 2014
Accepted: 15 July 2014
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