Poor glycaemic control detected in people with diabetes on enteral feeding, survey suggests

Overall glucose control is poor in people with diabetes during enteral feeding treatment, latest survey findings have indicated.

A UK national survey has found that people with diabetes whilst on enteral feeding treatment struggle to maintain glycaemic control. 

A team of researchers developed the questionnaire on the management of enteral feeding against the standards in the nationally adopted Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS) guidelines.

The survey was completed by 26 hospitals. Guidelines for managing insulin with enteral feeding were in place at 11 of them.

The survey results concluded that people with diabetes had difficulties sustaining glycaemic control whilst on enteral feeding treatment.

The researchers said: “There were three main feed regimens used: continuous 24-hour feeding, a single feed with one break in 24 hours, or multiple feeds in 24 hours.

“There were five regimens in common use: premixed insulin, isophane insulin, analogue basal insulin, variable rate intravenous insulin, or basal bolus insulin.

“Overall glucose control was poor for all regimens and combinations. Continuous feed showed better glucose control than a single feed with a break, mean (+SD) glucose 12.4 mmol/L (5.6) vs 15.1 mmol/L (6.9) p <0.005, but no group showed optimal control.”

The results can be read here.