Final answer:
In hospital admissions, the target blood glucose level for DM patients is established through tests like the glucose tolerance test and the insulin tolerance test, to monitor and manage the patient's response to glucose and insulin, ensuring appropriate diabetes care.
Step-by-step explanation:
During hospital admission, the target blood glucose level for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is crucial in providing appropriate care. Blood glucose is monitored through tests such as the glucose tolerance test and the insulin tolerance test. In general, blood glucose is assessed by placing a drop of blood on a test strip read by a meter. In DM patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes, there can be hormone resistance, where body cells do not respond to normal amounts of insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. Such patients are often treated with medication, diet, and possibly the addition of insulin.
During a glucose tolerance test, the patient consumes a glucose solution, and blood glucose levels are monitored at intervals to assess how well the body can process glucose. If glucose levels rise sharply and fail to return to normal, the person is considered glucose intolerant, indicating DM. An insulin tolerance test can determine if the DM responds to insulin therapy, an essential consideration for managing diabetes in hospital conditions.