Transition of Care: Diabetes Management after Hospital Discharge.

Courtney Lynn Dominguez, Jennifer Voigt Rowell

Journal: The Medical clinics of North America 2026;110(3):515-533

PMID: 42036164

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Effective discharge planning for patients with diabetes requires a comprehensive, individualized approach. Patients should receive structured education on blood glucose monitoring, nutritional strategies, and recognition and management of hypoglycemia. Medication recommendations must be tailored to the patient's cognitive status, functional ability, co-morbid conditions, and overall capacity to implement the treatment regimen. Particular caution is required in older adults, in whom polypharmacy, frailty, and hypoglycemia risk are heightened. The type of diabetes will dictate appropriate pharmacologic options. Clear communication with both patient and outpatient providers is essential to ensure continuity of care and to promote a safe and effective transition.

Address: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University, 30 Duke Medicine Circle - Clinic 1A, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, 30 Duke Medicine Circle - Clinic 1A, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2026.01.004

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Patient Discharge, Continuity of Patient Care, Hypoglycemia, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycemic Agents, Patient Education as Topic, Transitional Care, Polypharmacy, Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring