Analysis of institutional blood glucose surveillance.

In an article by Anderson and colleagues in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, the 2009 Remote Automated Laboratory System Report describes the use of a proprietary software application in 576 United States hospital benchmark subscribers, permitting blood glucose surveillance. The Program for the Treatment of the Hospitalized Diabetic Patient was initiated at Edith Wolfson Medical Center in 2007 and included an automated glucometer in each inpatient department. Results are transmitted automatically to a central database. Importantly, these data interface with the patient electronic medical record, permitting accurate patient follow-up within and between hospitalizations; the patient response-to-treatment evaluation; identification of secular glucose trends; and interdepartmental and interinstitutional comparisons. The data have been associated with a significant reduction in random blood glucose values. In Israel, the National Diabetes Council has recommended the use of automated institutional glucometers in all hospitals.