Managing diabetes at the end of life – a retrospective chart audit of two health providers in Queensland, Australia

BackgroundDiabetes at the end of life (EoL) is characterized by blood glucose fluctuations that result from decreased oral intake, side effects of medications, altered physiology, and end-stage organ failure. With limited life expectancy and the presence of comorbidities, diabetes management can be challenging. While there is little clinical evidence to guide decision-makers, current practice depends on empiric and expert recommendations.ObjectiveTo evaluate the current prescribing patterns and monitoring parameters in diabetes management at the EoL in patients at two palliative care inpatient units.DesignRetrospective clinical chart review.Setting/subjectsAdult patients attending the Palliative and Supportive Care Services at St Vincent's Private Hospital and Mater Adults Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia over a 24-month period, from October 2014 to October 2016.ResultsA total of 145 charts were analysed. 139 patients were identified as having received glucose-lowering therapy (51% female, median age 7...