Student Abstracts

Trends in Serum Glucose Levels During the Transition From Tight Glycemic Control Insulin Infusions to Traditional Insulin Therapy

Background: Maintaining normoglycemia with the use of insulin infusions is rapidly becoming a standard of care in critically ill patients. Various protocols are available for use to maintain blood glucose levels within the recommended range yet when patients are weaned off the insulin infusion there are no published studies examining the use of protocols for transitioning patients from insulin infusions to traditional subcutaneous insulin.

Objective: To explore trends which occur in blood glucose levels as critical care patient’s transition from tight glycemic control insulin infusions to traditional subcutaneous insulin therapy.

Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study included 31 heterogeneous patients who were on the Atlanta protocol (insulin infusion) and in ICU. Patients’ ages averaged 65.2 +/- 12.8 years. 45.2% of sample were male and 18 patients had a previous history of diabetes.

Results: Average blood glucose levels while on insulin infusion was 100.6mg/dl, whereas average blood glucose after patient was transitioned to subcutaneous insulin was 162.3mg/dl. Only 12.4% of patients were within recommended range of 89 -110mg/dl after they were transitioned off the insulin infusion.

Conclusion: Transition protocols may be useful in maintaining normoglycemia post insulin infusion.