title: Safety and efficacy of an insulin infusion protocol designed for the non-intensive care setting.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. vinik@hsc.utah.edu
authors: Russell
authors: R
authors: Vinik
authors: Robert E
authors: RE
authors: Jones
authors: Robert C
authors: RC
authors: Pendleton
authors: Susanna Y
authors: SY
authors: Ku
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin