Journal of diabetes science and technology
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Hyperglycemia in the critically ill is a well-known phenomenon, even in those without known diabetes. The stress response is due to a complex interplay between counter-regulatory hormones, cytokines, and changes in insulin sensitivity. Illness/infection, overfeeding, medications (e.g., corticosteroids), insufficient insulin, and/or volume depletion can be additional contributors. ⋯ A moderate approach to managing critical illness hyperglycemia seems most prudent at this juncture. Future research should ascertain whether there are certain subgroups of patients that would benefit from tighter glycemic goals. It also remains to be seen if tight glucose control is beneficial once hypoglycemia is minimized with technological advances such as continuous glucose monitoring systems.
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J Diabetes Sci Technol · Nov 2009
A semilogarithmic scale for glucose provides a balanced view of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
It would be desirable to improve the ability of physicians and patients to identify hypoglycemic episodes when viewing displays of glucose by date, time of day, or day of the week. ⋯ Display of glucose on a logarithmic scale can potentially improve the accuracy of analysis and interpretation of popular methods for graphic display of glucose values. Device manufacturers should consider including options for semilogarithmic display of glucose on SMBG meters, CGM sensors, and software for retrospective analyses of glucose data.
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J Diabetes Sci Technol · Nov 2009
ReviewGlycemic control in the burn intensive care unit: focus on the role of anemia in glucose measurement.
Glycemic control with intensive insulin therapy (IIT) has received widespread adoption secondary to findings of improved clinical outcomes and survival in the burn population. Severe burn as a model for trauma is characterized by a hypermetabolic state, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. ⋯ We conclude with direction for further study and the need for a reliable continuous glucose monitoring system. Such efforts will further the endeavor for achieving adequate glycemic control in order to assess the efficacy of target ranges and use of IIT.
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J Diabetes Sci Technol · Nov 2009
ReviewPerioperative and critical illness dysglycemia--controlling the iceberg.
Patients with dysglycemia related to known or unrecognized diabetes, stress hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia in the presence or absence of exogenous insulin routinely require care during the perioperative period or critical illness. Recent single and multicenter studies, a large multinational study, and three meta-analyses evaluated the safety of routine tight glycemic control (80-110 mg/dl) in critically ill adults. Results led to a call for more modest treatment goals (initiation of insulin at a blood glucose >180 mg/dl with a goal of approximately 150 mg/dl). In this symposium, an international group of multidisciplinary experts discusses the role of tight glycemic control, glucose measurement technique and its accuracy, glucose variability, hypoglycemia, and innovative methods to facilitate glucose homeostasis in this heterogeneous patient population.
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J Diabetes Sci Technol · Nov 2009
ReviewClinical need for continuous glucose monitoring in the hospital.
Automation and standardization of the glucose measurement process have the potential to greatly improve glycemic control, clinical outcome, and safety while reducing cost. The resources required to monitor glycemia in hospitalized patients have thus far limited the implementation of intensive glucose management to patients in critical care units. Numerous available and up-and-coming technologies are targeted for the hospital patient population. Advantages and limitations of these devices are discussed herewith in.