Review of a Basal Insulin Regimen in Long-term Care

Diabetes management continues to present challenges in the long-term care setting. Hypoglycemia, poor glycemic control, and high costs are associated with use of sliding-scale insulin. Evidence supporting the use of basal insulin in combination with prandial bolus and or oral agents is now available, but actual guidelines for practice are lacking for long-term care residents. Best practices are essential to achieve glycemic control and reduce costs associated with diabetes and diabetic complications in the elderly long-term care resident. A basal-bolus insulin regimen is presented that can improve management of diabetes and be cost-effective.