Page 20 - UNC MC Assistive Personnel Orientation Manual 2020

Diabetes & Our Patients: What do you NEED to know?

Approximately 30% of our patients have Diabetes or other reasons for high blood
sugar.

We know blood sugars out of target are linked with poor patient outcomes

(longer length of stay, increased likelihood of death).

YOU play a KEY role in their care!

Nurses will likely ask you to obtain blood sugars.

WHEN to check a blood sugar is important. It shouldn’t be based on “unit routine.”

Instead, it should be checked when the blood sugar is needed for the individual
patient. Ask the patient’s primary nurse when it needs to be checked for each

patient.

Check Blood
Insulin Eat
Sugar

To assist with timing of blood sugar, patients on insulin
will be placed on “Glucose Precautions.” NFS will notify
nursing staff via text when patient orders. NFS will call

RN when delivering tray.

You can help remind patients to call to have their
blood sugars checked BEFORE eating.

If you go to check a blood sugar and the patient states
they have already eaten, ask the nurse if you should
proceed.

REPORT blood sugars less than 80 or greater than 150.
If it is <80, the nurse may ask you to provide the patient
with juice.

Nursing Practice and Professional Development / Assistive Personnel Orientation 2020 Page 19