Improving Glycemic Control in a Geriatric Population

J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. 2017 Jul;28(1):24-30.

Abstract

This quality improvement project evaluated whether offering a series of 5 structured interdisciplinary diabetic educational teaching sessions would improve glycemic control as measured by random blood sugars (RBS) in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Five diabetic educational sessions were held over a 4-week period with 50 participants (N = 50). Data were analyzed and displayed using descriptive statistics and figures. Average RBS remained steady from 176.34 pre- to 175.52 post-intervention. In the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) group, representing a cognitive test score range of 24-30, RBS decreased from 184.6 to 162.80, with a slight increase in RBS in other groups. Mean RBS only decreased in the MMSE 24-30 test score range. African-American women and those in the community showed improved RBS. An interdisciplinary approach to care may offer benefits in subgroups of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients and management of other chronic diseases in a geriatric population.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American / education*
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / nursing*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology*
  • Female
  • Glycemic Index / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Self Care / psychology*