Safety and Efficacy of an Intensive Care Insulin Infusion Protocol Targeting a Blood Glucose of 140 to 180 mg/dL

Background Despite multiple guideline recommendations of a goal blood glucose of 140 to 180 mg/dL in critically ill patients, no insulin infusion protocols (IIPs) targeting this range have been validated and published in the literature. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of an IIP targeting a blood glucose of 140 to 180 mg/dL in critically ill patients, with the ultimate goal of validating such a protocol. Methods This retrospective chart review uses data of critically ill patients admitted from August 2018 to December 2018. Patient data from August 2017 to December 2017 served as a historical comparator to further assess safety outcomes. Percent of blood glucose readings within goal was the primary outcome measurement. Relevant clinical variables, insulin requirements, hypoglycemic events, and protocol adherence were also recorded. Results A total of 88 insulin infusions were included in analysis, 34 of which served as a historical comparator. In the IIP targeting a blood glucose 140 to 180 mg/dL, once blood glucose levels decreased below 180 mg/dL, 54% of blood glucose readings were within goal (140-180 mg/dL) and 73% of blood glucose readings were within a “clinically acceptable” range (110-180 mg/dL). The number of hypoglycemic events decreased from 70 in the historical comparator group to 4 in the current IIP ( P < .0001). Conclusion and relevance This IIP is both safe and effective at targeting a blood glucose of 140 to 180 mg/dL and could be used at other institutions to achieve satisfactory glycemic control.