What is the most feared short-term complication of treatment for diabetes?
Hypoglycemia is the most feared short-term complication of treatment for diabetes. If not promptly recognized and treated it can result in long-term disability, particularly in cognitively impaired individuals. Although the frequency of hypoglycemia in long-term care patients is not known, its incidence rises exponentially with age. • What is the medication of choice for hypertensive patients with diabetes? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the medication of choice whenever possible for hypertensive patients with diabetes. • Should patients with diabetes receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations? Influenza vaccine is advised yearly for all adults with diabetes and pneumococcal vaccine is also advised for these patients. • How often should A1c be monitored for patients on oral medication(s) who are well controlled? A1c should be monitored on admission (if no results from a previous test are available) or when diabetes is recognized and every 6 months thereafter (e
