"Guardians of Glycemic Stability: The Pivotal Role of Nurses in Achieving Optimal Glycemic Control Among Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes Mellitus"

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions encountered in hospitalized patients and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs when glycemic control is suboptimal. Hospitalization itself poses unique challenges to glycemic management due to factors such as acute illness, stress response, altered nutrition, medication changes, and reduced patient autonomy. In this complex clinical environment, nurses play a central and indispensable role in ensuring safe and effective glycemic control. This review article aims to critically examine the nursing role in glycemic management among hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus, emphasizing assessment, monitoring, insulin administration, nutritional coordination, patient education, prevention of complications, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Evidence-based nursing interventions, challenges in inpatient glycemic control, use of protocols and technologies, and strategies to enhance nursing competence are discussed in detail. By synthesizing current literature, this article highlights how proactive, knowledgeable, and vigilant nursing care significantly contributes to improved glycemic outcomes, patient safety, and overall quality of care in hospital settings. Strengthening the nursing role in glycemic management is essential for optimizing inpatient diabetes care and reducing diabetes-related complications.