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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Managing Service Users Living with Diabetes

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} supports and manages service users living with diabetes, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being through comprehensive, person-centred care. This policy provides staff with clear guidelines on how to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care while empowering service users to manage their condition independently whenever possible.

This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, supervisors, managers, and administrative personnel, who are involved in providing care and support to service users with diabetes. It covers all aspects of diabetes management, including monitoring, medication administration, lifestyle support, and emergency response.

2. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Delivering high-quality, person-centred care for service users with diabetes.
• Promoting self-management while providing appropriate support.
• Ensuring staff are trained to understand and manage diabetes effectively.
• Preventing complications through proactive monitoring and intervention.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• NICE Guidelines on Diabetes Management
• Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)
• CQC Fundamental Standards

4. Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. There are two primary types:

4.1 Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It requires lifelong insulin therapy.

4.2 Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. It can often be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Both types require careful management to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage.

5. Assessment and Care Planning

Effective diabetes management begins with a thorough assessment and personalised care planning:

5.1 Initial Assessment:

• Conducted during the care planning process.
• Includes medical history, current diabetes management, medications, lifestyle, and risk factors.
• Identifies individual needs, preferences, and goals.

5.2 Care Plan Development:

• Developed in collaboration with the service user, family, and healthcare professionals.
• Outlines daily routines, medication schedules, dietary requirements, and exercise plans.
• Includes emergency procedures for hypo- and hyperglycaemia.

5.3 Regular Reviews:

• Care plans are reviewed quarterly or sooner if the service user’s condition changes.
• Staff document all observations, interventions, and outcomes.

6. Monitoring and Blood Glucose Management

Regular monitoring ensures that blood glucose levels remain within the target range:

6.1 Blood Glucose Testing:

• Staff support service users in self-monitoring or perform testing if required.
• Readings are recorded in care logs, noting any patterns or concerns.

6.2 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

• For service users with advanced monitoring systems, staff are trained to interpret readings and respond accordingly.

6.3 Target Ranges:

• Individualised targets are set by healthcare providers and included in the care plan.

6.4 Reporting Abnormal Readings:

• High (hyperglycaemia) or low (hypoglycaemia) readings are reported immediately to healthcare professionals and documented in care records.

7. Medication Management

Effective medication management ensures that service users receive the correct treatment safely and consistently:

7.1 Medication Administration:

• Staff administer oral medications and insulin as prescribed.
• MAR (Medication Administration Record) charts are completed for every dose.

7.2 Insulin Management:

• Only trained and competent staff administer insulin.
• Staff follow the prescribed dosage and injection technique.

7.3 Safe Storage:

• Insulin and other medications are stored according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Refrigeration is provided for insulin when required.

8. Nutrition and Lifestyle Support

A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are essential for managing diabetes effectively:

8.1 Meal Planning:

• Care staff support service users in preparing nutritious, balanced meals.
• Meals are planned according to individual dietary requirements and preferences.

8.2 Physical Activity:

• Encouraging regular exercise, tailored to the service user’s abilities and preferences.

8.3 Weight Management:

• Supporting healthy weight management through lifestyle interventions.

9. Preventing and Managing Complications

Proactive care helps prevent diabetes-related complications:

9.1 Foot Care:

• Regular foot inspections to identify sores, infections, or circulatory issues.
• Prompt referral to healthcare providers if issues are detected.

9.2 Eye Care:

• Encouraging regular eye examinations to detect diabetic retinopathy.

9.3 Cardiovascular Health:

• Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

10. Managing Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia

Staff are trained to recognise and respond to blood sugar emergencies:

10.1 Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar):

• Symptoms include sweating, shakiness, confusion, and dizziness.
• Immediate treatment involves providing a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or juice.

10.2 Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar):

• Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
• Treatment involves following the care plan, administering medication if required, and contacting a healthcare provider if the condition persists.

11. Emergency Response

In case of a diabetes-related emergency, staff must:

1. Provide immediate first aid.
2. Contact emergency services (999) if the service user is unresponsive or deteriorating.
3. Notify the Registered Manager and family members.
4. Record all actions taken in care notes.

12. Training and Competency

All staff involved in diabetes care receive comprehensive training, including:

• Understanding diabetes types and management.
• Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration.
• Recognising and managing hypo- and hyperglycaemia.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

Competency assessments are conducted annually and following any updates in care practices.

13. Record-Keeping and Documentation

Accurate documentation ensures safe, consistent care:

• All blood glucose readings, medication administration, and observations are recorded in care logs.
• Changes in condition or concerns are reported to healthcare providers and documented.
• Confidential records are stored securely in accordance with GDPR requirements.

14. Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication ensures coordinated diabetes management:

• Regular communication with GPs, diabetes specialists, and community nurses.
• Engaging families and carers in care planning and monitoring.
• Informing healthcare providers immediately about significant changes.

15. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

We maintain high standards of diabetes care through:

• Regular audits of care records and medication administration.
• Service user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Staff training updates based on best practices and new guidelines.

16. Complaints and Incident Reporting

Service users and families are encouraged to raise concerns regarding diabetes care. Our complaints procedure includes:

1. Recording the complaint in detail.
2. Investigating the issue promptly.
3. Communicating findings and solutions to all parties.
4. Implementing changes to prevent recurrence.

17. Data Protection and Confidentiality

All diabetes-related information is handled in accordance with GDPR:

• Confidential storage of care records and medical information.
• Restricted access to authorised personnel only.
• Secure disposal of outdated records.

18. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative changes, updated guidelines, or incidents requiring policy amendments. Staff are informed of updates, and additional training is provided if necessary.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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