Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
[Glycemic control in non-critical hospitalized patients]
Marta Botella1, José Antonio Rubio, Juan Carlos Percovich
1Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España. mbotella.hupa@salud.madrid.org
Objectives:
To assess in hospitalized patients the prevalence of hyperglycemia, degree of glycemic control, rate of hypoglycemia, and treatment used.
Patients And Methods:
A prospective, observational study.
Results:
Hyperglycemia was found in 185 (26.7%) of 691 patients, of whom 85% had been diagnosed with diabetes and 15% had no diabetes. Preprandial mean blood glucose was 169 mg/dL (95% CI 160-177). Control goals were achieved by 34.5% of patients (blood glucose ≤140 mg/dL). In 121 patients only sliding-scale regular insulin was used, while 64 patients received both basal and regular insulin. The mean daily insulin dose used was 19.5 units. Oral antidiabetics were given to 11.4% of patients. Thirteen patients (7%) experienced hypoglycemia (< 70 mg/dL), none of them severe.
Conclusions:
Glycemic control is not adequate in hospitalized patients, probably because of overuse of sliding scales and the low insulin doses used.
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
