Insulin therapy in intensive care

Abstract

Control of hyperglycemia in intensive care patients always generates questions. What should be the normal range of blood glucose levels? Over which threshold level is harmful? What are the complications of hyperglycemia and insulin therapy? Studies by Van den Berghe et al. are the most challenging among which many studies trying to answer these questions. It is proposed in these studies that the control of blood glucose concentration in the range of 80-110 mg/dL improves the morbidity and mortality. The most serious complication of this therapy is indicated as hypoglycemia. Various blood glucose limits were suggested according to indivadual patient evaluations. Some other comprehensive studies are needed to maintain more precise outcomes.