Managing diabetes in nursing and care homes.

The England-wide Care Home Diabetes Audit, published earlier this year, revealed a lack of assessment, monitoring and specialist care for people with diabetes who live in nursing and care homes. Many homes are not systematically screening residents for diabetes nor monitoring the blood glucose levels of those with the condition. Staff education and training is patchy and patients are at risk of hypoglycaemia and diabetic foot complications. The Institute of Diabetes for Older People, which conducted the audit, has called for tighter regulation to improve care.