Improper Diabetic Care in a Nursing Home May Be Caused by Neglect

 Posted on July 21, 2022 in Neglect

Although it is common, diabetes is a very serious medical condition. Diabetes is especially dangerous in elderly people or those with co-occurring medical conditions. Individuals who experience cognitive decline from dementia and related illness are also at increased risk of severe diabetes complications. These individuals may not recognize the signs of dangerously high or low blood sugar or be able to express their concerns to others. This is why it is so important for nursing home staff to monitor diabetic residents and provide consistently high-quality medical care to these vulnerable individuals. Nursing home neglect can lead to severe diabetes-related injuries or death.

Residents with Diabetes Need to Be Closely Monitored

Diabetes affects blood glucose levels and is often managed using insulin shots. Because the consequences of poorly managed diabetes are so great for elderly and sick people, nursing homes must be vigilant. Staff should help diabetic residents maintain normal blood sugar levels and prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Diabetes can differ greatly from one person to the next, so nursing homes should have a personalized plan for each diabetic resident. The staff should regularly monitor the resident’s blood sugars using a glucose meter. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood sugar levels should be tested multiple times a day, including between meals and before going to sleep.

Insulin injections can be used to regulate blood sugar. However, misuse of insulin is life-threatening. One elderly woman died after staff at a senior living center gave her four doses of insulin due to miscommunication between staff. The woman’s blood sugar was so low that it would not even register on the monitor. Her body could not survive the extremely low blood sugar and she passed away.

Contact our Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers To Learn More

Nursing home residents with diabetes must be closely monitored for signs of blood sugar problems. When a nursing home fails to take the appropriate steps to care for diabetic residents, they may be liable for damages in a nursing home injury lawsuit. The resident, or in the case of death, the residents’ loved ones, may be entitled to monetary damages.

If your loved one has diabetes and was neglected in a nursing home, contact our Cook County nursing home injury lawyers. We can help you understand your legal options for holding the negligent nursing home accountable. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5317234/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/blood-sugar/art-20046628

https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/2019/04/25/san-luis-obispo-senior-living-center-sued-for-negligence-after-resident-death