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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
The NICE-SUGAR (Normoglycaemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation) Study:
Simon Finfer1, Stephane Heritier,
1The George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. sfinfer@george.org.au.
Summary
The Normoglycaemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) study finalized its statistical analysis plan before data collection ended. This ensures transparent and verifiable results for critical care glucose control research.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Clinical trials
- Biostatistics
Background:
- The Normoglycaemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) study is a large-scale investigation into glucose control in critically ill patients.
- Glycaemic control in intensive care units (ICUs) is a critical factor influencing patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To publicly disclose the pre-determined statistical analysis plan for the NICE-SUGAR study.
- To ensure adherence to the finalized analysis plan, established while data collection was ongoing.
Main Methods:
- Review and formal assessment of data collected during the NICE-SUGAR trial.
- Statistical description of baseline characteristics, process of care, and treatment delivery.
- Pre-defined statistical comparisons for primary, secondary, and tertiary outcomes.
Main Results:
- A standard analysis plan was developed for the NICE-SUGAR Study results.
- The plan facilitates a transparent, verifiable, and pre-determined assessment of outcomes.
- It enables comprehensive description of patient characteristics, care processes, and treatment delivery.
Conclusions:
- A pre-determined statistical analysis plan was successfully developed for the NICE-SUGAR Study.
- Adherence to this plan mitigates potential bias from prior knowledge of study findings.
- The plan enhances the transparency and verifiability of the study's results.
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