Efficacy of an Insulin Infusion Treatment Protocol Administered in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of insulin infusion treatment protocol in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Material and Methods: This study was performed in our Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at an University Hospital. A total of 145 patients who were hospitalized longer than 24 hours in MICU and received insulin infusion treatment were included in the study. Glucose measurements during infusion were analyzed and 4205 measurements were performed. We developed a protocol which aimed to keep the plasma glucose level between 110-150 mg/dL.Results: The mean plasma glucose level of the patients was 178±57 mg/dL. The goal for a glucose level of 110-150 mg/dL was achieved in 26% of the patients. The rate for less than 110 mg/dL was 7%. Levels above 150 mg/dL were seen in 67%. Among levels higher than 150 mg/dL; levels between 150-200 mg/dL was 35%, levels between 200-300 mg/dL was 21%, levels between 300-400 mg/dL was 3% and levels higher than 400 mg/dL was 1%. The percentage of hypoglycemia was 0.3%.Conclusion: Our protocol provided that plasma glucose levels higher than 150 mg/dL was found to be very frequent. It seems to be safe for hypoglycemia. The protocol should be revised after evaluation of these high glucose levels.