Prevalence and management of diabetes in residential aged care facilities in north-east Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Managing diabetes in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) presents challenges to general practitioners (GPs) as the incidence of the disease increases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to describe the prevalence and management of diabetes in RACFs in north-east Victoria.

METHODS: The method used for this study was a cross-sectional audit of medical files.

RESULTS: Ten RACFs were invited and agreed to participate, giving a sample of 593 residents. Diabetes prevalence was 18.2% (n = 108). Half of the residents with diabetes had received a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test in the previous six months. Of these residents, half had an HbA1c result of 8%. The frequency of hypoglycaemic events was found to be 10%. Hyperglycaemic episodes (HbA1C >10%) occurred in 69% of residents with diabetes; 21% had hyperglycaemic episodes when defined by levels greater than those set by the resident's GP. Diabetes-related unscheduled hospitalisations was found to be 6.5%, while diabetes-related general practice visits was 23%.

DISCUSSION: The prevalence of diabetes in the RACFs was higher than previously reported in rural Victoria. Practice variance from evidence-based guidelines may be contributing to unplanned hospitalisations and increased acute general practice visits.