Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition that commonly affects older adults residing in nursing homes.

It occurs when there is a severe deficiency of insulin in the body, leading to the breakdown of fatty acids and the production of ketones. Without prompt treatment, DKA can lead to rapid organ failure and even death.

The Prevalence of DKA in Nursing Homes

The incidence of DKA in nursing homes is alarmingly high.

This is primarily due to the complex and challenging nature of managing diabetes in older adults, who often have multiple chronic conditions and are more susceptible to medication errors and other healthcare-related issues. The lack of round-the-clock monitoring in nursing homes further exacerbates the problem, as early signs of DKA may be missed or overlooked.

The Role of Freestyle® Libre Wearables

Freestyle® Libre Wearables are innovative glucose monitoring systems that can help lower the occurrence of DKA in nursing homes.

These wearables consist of a small sensor placed on the back of the upper arm, which continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The readings are then transmitted wirelessly to a compatible device, providing real-time glucose data.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Improved DKA Detection

Traditional glucose monitoring methods, such as fingerstick testing, are often challenging for older adults and require frequent manual measurement. This can lead to a delay in detecting high glucose levels and may increase the risk of developing DKA.

With continuous glucose monitoring provided by Freestyle® Libre Wearables, nursing home staff can have immediate access to glucose readings, enabling them to take timely action when glucose levels become dangerously high.

Alerts and Alarms for Better Diabetes Management

One of the key features of Freestyle® Libre Wearables is the ability to set alerts and alarms for high and low glucose levels. Nursing home staff can configure these thresholds based on each resident’s individual healthcare plan.

When glucose levels surpass or fall below these thresholds, the wearable device will generate a visual and audible alert. This allows for early intervention, reducing the risk of DKA and other diabetes-related complications.

Data Logging and Remote Monitoring

Freestyle® Libre Wearables also offer data logging and remote monitoring capabilities.

Glucose readings and associated trends can be automatically logged and stored over time, providing healthcare professionals with a comprehensive overview of a resident’s diabetes management. This data can be accessed remotely, allowing doctors and nurses to closely monitor glucose levels and identify potential triggers for DKA, even without being physically present in the nursing home.

Improved Medication Management

Medication errors are a common cause of DKA in nursing homes. With Freestyle® Libre Wearables, nursing home staff can accurately track and document insulin administration, reducing the risk of dosage errors.

The wearable device can also remind staff members about scheduled medication times, ensuring that insulin doses are administered on time and reducing the likelihood of missed or delayed doses.

Enhanced Resident Education and Empowerment

Freestyle® Libre Wearables can also play a crucial role in educating and empowering residents in diabetes self-management.

The continuous glucose monitoring feature allows residents to be more aware of how their lifestyle choices and medication adherence impact their glucose levels. By actively engaging in their own care, residents can proactively prevent DKA episodes and make informed decisions to maintain optimal glucose control.

Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Health Outcomes

While the initial investment in implementing Freestyle® Libre Wearables in nursing homes may seem significant, the long-term cost savings can be substantial.

By reducing the incidence of DKA, nursing homes can decrease hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and other healthcare expenses associated with managing the complications of DKA. Additionally, residents who have better glucose control are more likely to experience improved overall health outcomes and quality of life.

Challenges and Considerations

Implementing Freestyle® Libre Wearables in nursing homes comes with certain challenges and considerations. Nursing home staff members must receive adequate training on how to use and interpret the data from these wearables.

Privacy and data security concerns must also be addressed to ensure the protection of residents’ sensitive health information. Additionally, the cost of the wearable devices and ongoing sensor replacements should be carefully evaluated.

Conclusion

Freestyle® Libre Wearables have the potential to significantly reduce the occurrence of DKA in nursing homes.

By providing continuous glucose monitoring, alerts and alarms, data logging, and remote monitoring capabilities, these wearables empower both nursing home staff and residents in preventing DKA and managing diabetes more effectively. While challenges exist, the long-term benefits, including improved health outcomes and cost savings, make Freestyle® Libre Wearables a promising solution for lowering DKA cases in nursing homes.