Keywords
psychiatry
mental health settings
How to Cite
Abstract
Hypoglycaemia management kits (HMKs) are increasingly recognised as a crucial component of care in mental health hospitals, particularly for patients with diabetes or those on medications that affect glucose metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that the implementation of HMKs in these settings has significant benefits in both clinical and psychological outcomes. Properly stocked kits, which typically include glucose tablets, glucagon, and syringes, enable quick and effective treatment of hypoglycaemic events, reducing the risk of severe complications such as seizures, coma, or death.
Studies show that patients with mental health conditions, especially those taking antipsychotic medications, are at increased risk of developing metabolic disturbances, including hypoglycaemia. HMKs help mitigate these risks, improving patient safety and contributing to better management of comorbid conditions. Additionally, the presence of these kits can alleviate anxiety among patients and staff, enhance confidence in managing medical emergencies, and reduce the burden on healthcare professionals by preventing preventable hospitalizations.
While data on long-term outcomes is still limited, current evidence supports the integration of HMKs into standard care protocols within mental health hospitals as a means of improving both physical and mental health outcomes, and promoting a more holistic, patient-centred approach to care. Further research is needed to refine guidelines and assess the cost-effectiveness of HMK use in this population.
References
Ratzki-Leewing, A., Harris, S.B., Mequanint, S., Reichert, S.M., Belle Brown, J., Black, J.E. & Ryan, B.L. Real-world crude incidence of hypoglycemia in adults with diabetes: Results of the InHypo-DM Study, Canada. BMJ Open Diabetes Res. Care 6, e000503 (2018). doi: [10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000503](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000503)
Brady, V., et al. Hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs. Diabet. Med. 30, 332–337 (2013). doi: [10.1111/dme.12044](https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.12044)
Chici, et al. The risk factors of inpatient hypoglycemia: A systematic review. Heliyon 6, e03913 (2020). doi: [10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913)
Ebadi, S.A., Darvish, P., Fard, A.J., Lima, B.S. & Ahangar, O.G. Hypoglycemia and cognitive function in diabetic patients. Diabetes Metab. Syndr. Clin. Res. Rev. 12, 893–896 (2018). doi: [10.1016/j.dsx.2018.04.012](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2018.04.012)
Griffing, K.L. Hypoglycemia Prevention in Hospital Patients: A Quality Improvement Project to Prevent Severe and Recurrent Hypoglycemia. Clin. Diabetes 34, 193–199 (2016). doi: [10.2337/cd15-0055](https://doi.org/10.2337/cd15-0055)
Kilpatrick, C.R., Elliott, M.B., Pratt, E., Schafers, S.J., Blackburn, M.C., Heard, K., McGill, J.B., Thoelke, M. & Tobin, G.S. Prevention of inpatient hypoglycemia with a real-time informatics alert. *J. Hosp. Med.9, 621–626 (2014). doi: [10.1002/jhm.2221](https://doi.org/10.1002/jhm.2221)
Ishiguro, H., Hanyu, O., Houya, S. et al. A case of hypoglycemia attributable to atypical antipsychotic drugs. Diabetol. Int.6, 341–346 (2015). doi: [10.1007/s13340-015-0203-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13340-015-0203-5)
Katon, W.J., Young, B.A., Russo, J., Lin, E.H., Ciechanowski, P., Ludman, E.J., Von Korff, M.R. Association of depression with increased risk of severe hypoglycemic episodes in patients with diabetes. Ann. Fam. Med.11, 245–250 (2013). doi: [10.1370/afm.1501](https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1501)
Zaroda, P., Dąda, P., Pawlik, P., Niewinna, P., Żuchowski, M., Mańdziuk, D., Kołodziej, K., Kołodziej, W., Wawrzkowicz, J. & Korga, M. Hypoglycemia impact on psychiatric symptoms and brain changes in anorexia nervosa. J. Educ. Health Sport. 69, 48178 (2024). doi: [10.12775/JEHS.2024.69.48178](https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.69.48178)
George, J.T., et al. Implementation of a hypoglycaemia management protocol: reducing hypoglycaemia in hospitalised patients. Diabet. Med.28, 857–860 (2011). doi: [10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03306.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03306.x)
Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care & Royal College of Psychiatrists. The management of diabetes in adults and children with psychiatric disorders in inpatient settings. First Edition. Available at: (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/resources/shared-practice/inpatient-and-hospital-care/joint-british-diabetes-society-for-inpatient-care/management-of-diabetes-in-adults-and-children-with-psychiatric-disorders-in-inpatient-settings) (2018). [Accessed 17/10/2023].
Reduction of Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients. Curr. Diab. Rep.17, 117 (2017). doi: [10.1007/s11892-017-0934-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0934-8)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Array