Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Acute glycemic variability and risk of mortality in patients with sepsis: a meta-analysis
Xiaofei Li1, Daofu Zhang2, Yongxin Chen3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Yiwu Central Hospital, No. 519 Nanmen Street, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, China. metshep@sina.com.
Background:
Acute glycemic variability (GV) has been correlated with the severity of sepsis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential association between acute GV and mortality risk in patients with sepsis.
Methods:
Cohort studies comparing the risk of death within 3 months between septic patients with higher versus lower acute GV were retrieved by systematic search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang and CNKI databases. We used a random-effect model to pool the data by incorporating the between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the stability of the findings.
Results:
Ten studies including 4296 patients were available for the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that septic patients with higher acute GV had significantly increased mortality risk compared to those with lower acute GV, as evidenced by results using different parameters including standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG, risk ratio [RR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-2.24, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (RR: 1.91, 95% CI 1.57-2.31, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (RR: 1.81. 95% CI 1.36-2.40, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and glycemic lability index (RR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.72-3.68, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analyses by excluding one study at a time did not significantly affect the results (p all < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Higher acute GV may be a predictor of mortality risk in patients with sepsis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Variability: Analysis
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

