Safety and efficacy of an insulin infusion protocol designed for the non-intensive care setting.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether glycemic control can be safely achieved with use of a simplified insulin infusion protocol in hospitalized patients who are not in the intensive care unit (ICU).


METHODS
We developed a novel intravenous insulin protocol specifically designed for use in the non-ICU setting. We then collected clinical data on the first 30 patients treated with use of this protocol. Our study focused on safety and glycemic control.


RESULTS
The insulin infusion protocol was used in 30 patients for a total of 634 hours. A single hypoglycemic episode (glucose level <60 mg/dL) occurred in 3 patients. The target mean glucose level of <150 mg/dL was achieved in 9 hours. Once the glucose target had been achieved, the mean and median glucose concentrations were 156 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a simple intravenous insulin protocol can safely and effectively control the blood glucose level in patients in a non-ICU setting.
Vinik
Russell
R
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. vinik@hsc.utah.edu
Jones
Robert E
RE
Pendleton
Robert C
RC
Ku
Susanna Y
SY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000379:methods; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin