A revision document prepared by a Task and Finish Group of Diabetes UK

Formerly Guidelines of Practice for Residents with Diabetes in Care Homes, a report of the British Diabetic Association (1999)

A decade on from the original British Diabetic Association (BDA) report, we have seen several important initiatives in diabetes care in the United Kingdom such as the National Service Framework for Diabetes, various evidence-based diabetes guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), and the inclusion of diabetes care items in the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) in primary care.

While there is worthwhile evidence that these approaches have resulted in a greater emphasis on integrated diabetes care with a focus on community-based and primary care working, there has been relatively little progress in enhancing high quality diabetes care within residential settings. We hope that these good clinical practice guidelines will bring about a renewed interest in this often neglected clinical area and lead to greater recognition of the important issues affecting this group of care home residents.

Improving diabetes care in residential and nursing homes is a major goal but unless there is a commitment by all healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care supported by social services, NHS and independent care home staff, the Department of Health, and other interested agencies, these recommendations are unlikely to have a positive influence.

Diabetes mellitus is one of several chronic disabling disorders such as dementia which are increasing in prevalence and are likely to require greater provision for formal long-term care. These guidelines highlight areas of special need for residents with diabetes in care homes and we hope that by their wide and effective implementation, the ultimate wellbeing and quality of life sustained by residents will be enhanced.

Professor Alan Sinclair MSc MD FRCP
Working Group Chair

January 2010