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🩸 Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients

UseUse in the ICU to select a blood-glucose target band and decide when to start IV insulin infusion, with atten…

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SourceNICE-SUGAR Investigators. Intensive vs conventional glucose control. N Engl J Med 2009.

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Scene next step
📋icu scoresOpen scene pack →
Related scores
Score + version; reference only — not a substitute for care · no HIS write

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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

A moderate target (140–180 mg/dL [unverified]) balances the harms of hyperglycemia against the hypoglycemia risk of tight control (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim).

When to use

Use in the ICU to select a blood-glucose target band and decide when to start IV insulin infusion, with attention to avoiding hypoglycemia.

How it works

Target generally 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10.0 mmol/L) [unverified] for most critically ill; start or intensify IV insulin at ≥ 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) (SSC 2026 Rec. 92); avoid tight control (80–110) due to hypoglycemia harm; monitor frequently.

Key points

  • A moderate target (140–180 mg/dL [unverified]) balances the harms of hyperglycemia against the hypoglycemia risk of tight control (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim).
  • Tight glucose control (NICE-SUGAR) increased severe hypoglycemia and mortality, so it is no longer recommended.
  • Frequent point-of-care monitoring and a validated infusion protocol reduce both hyper- and hypoglycemic excursions.

References

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Current glucose200
Unitmg/dL
PopulationMost critically ill patients (target 140–180 [unverified])

→Glucose200 mg/dL

  • Glucose：200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
  • Target range：Standard 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10.0 mmol/L) [unverified]
  • Status / management：Above target — ≥ 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L): start or intensify IV insulin (SSC 2026 Rec. 92); investigate DKA/HHS, infection, steroids/parenteral nutrition and other triggers
Current glucose200
Unitmmol/L
PopulationSelected populations — postop/cardiac/neuro

→Glucose3600 mg/dL

  • Glucose：3600 mg/dL (200 mmol/L)
  • Target range：pending update
  • Status / management：Above target — ≥ 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L): start or intensify IV insulin (SSC 2026 Rec. 92); investigate DKA/HHS, infection, steroids/parenteral nutrition and other triggers
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the limits and cautions when using Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
Does Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Current glucose 200, Unit mg/dL, Population Most critically ill patients (target 140–180 [unverified]) → Result: Glucose 200 mg/dL（Glucose: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), Target range: Standard 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10.0 mmol/L) [unverified], Status / management: Above target — ≥ 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L): start or intensify IV insulin (SSC 2026 Rec. 92); investigate DKA/HHS, infection, steroids/parenteral nutrition and other triggers） Inputs: Current glucose 200, Unit mmol/L, Population Selected populations — postop/cardiac/neuro → Result: Glucose 3600 mg/dL（Glucose: 3600 mg/dL (200 mmol/L), Target range: pending update, Status / management: Above target — ≥ 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L): start or intensify IV insulin (SSC 2026 Rec. 92); investigate DKA/HHS, infection, steroids/parenteral nutrition and other triggers）
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