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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Insulin therapy in critically ill patients.
1Samer Ellahham and Associates, Falls Church, VA 22041, USA. samer1@ix.netcom.com
Vascular Health and Risk Management
|December 31, 2010
Summary
Hospitalized patients experiencing hyperglycemia face increased risks. Insulin therapy and specific blood glucose targets can improve outcomes for critically ill individuals.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Hyperglycemia is common in acute illness, particularly in cardiovascular disease patients.
- Acute metabolic stress can induce hyperglycemia even in normoglycemic individuals.
- Hyperglycemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes.
- To describe effective strategies for glycemic control in hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients.
- Analysis of guidelines for hyperglycemia management.
- Discussion of insulin therapy strategies (intravenous and subcutaneous).
Main Results:
- Normalizing hyperglycemia with insulin therapy offers benefits.
- Target blood glucose levels of 140-180 mg/dL are generally recommended.
- More aggressive control (<110 mg/dL) shows potential benefits in specific populations.
Conclusions:
- Effective glycemic control is crucial for high-risk hospitalized patients.
- Insulin therapy is a key strategy for managing hyperglycemia.
- Evidence supports specific blood glucose targets to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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