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M Gallichan

Publications and source records attributed to M Gallichan.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Self monitoring of glucose by people with diabetes: evidence based practice.

The inappropriate use of self monitoring of glucose is wasteful of NHS resources and can cause psychological harm. Although a few patients find that self monitoring enables them to understand and take control of their diabetes, many people with diabetes are performing inaccurate or unnecessary tests. There is no convincing evidence that self monitoring improves glycaemic control, nor that blood testing is necessarily better than urine testing. It may be appropriate for some patients not to monitor their own glucose but to rely instead on regular laboratory estimations of glycaemic control. Glucose self monitoring should be performed only when it serves an identified purpose. It is widely assumed that glucose self monitoring, preferably of blood glucose concentrations, is desirable or even essential for everyone with diabetes. It is common for patients who have previously tested their urine, or have done no glucose monitoring at home, to be taught to measure their blood glucose when they are admitted to hospital. In the community too, patients are often encouraged to monitor their blood glucose, and newly diagnosed patients of all ages are usually taught to measure their blood glucose concentrations. Self monitoring can sometimes be useful, but evidence is mounting that its indiscriminate use is of questionable value. In 1995, Pounds 42.6 million was spent on home monitoring of glucose in the United Kingdom (Intercontinental Medical Statistics, personal communication). Is this enormous cost justified? Is blood testing necessarily better than urine testing? Is glucose self monitoring always necessary, or is it sometimes a waste of time and money? Are recommendations for self monitoring based on sound evidence?

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1997

Promoting health in older people with diabetes.

More than half of the UK diabetic population is aged over 65 years. Nurses have an important role in promoting the health and well-being of older people with diabetes. Management of diabetes aims to relieve symptoms and prevent or delay the progression of long-term complications. The degree of glycaemic control should be decided on an individual basis.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Management of hypoglycaemia.

Hypoglycaemia is usually a side-effect of the medication for diabetes. This article explains the mechanisms of hypoglycaemia and the factors which may precipitate it. It outlines the treatment of mild, moderate and severe reactions and describes how hypoglycaemia can often be prevented by forward planning.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment options for managing diabetes mellitus.

When dietary restrictions alone fail to control diabetes, treatment is with oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin. It is the nurse's role to help the client choose an appropriate form of treatment, and to teach him or her to monitor the effectiveness of his or her treatment. Nurses also have the responsibility of ensuring that clients understand how to prevent and treat hypoglycaemia.

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reflective practice.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1↗