Sliding scale insulin raises hyperglycemia risk
Sliding scale insulin raises hyperglycemia risk
The sliding scale insulin regimen, which remains the most common method for controlling blood glucose levels in hospitalized patients with diabetes, may actually contribute to hyperglycemia, according to a study published in the March 10 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
In a study of 171 adults with Type II diabetes (diabetes mellitus), Dr. William S. Queale and colleagues compared the use of sliding scale regimen, in which patients receive varying doses of short-acting insulin four times a day, with a standing regimen of twice-daily doses of intermediate-acting insulin and a combination of the two regimens.
The sliding scale insulin regimen was associated with hyperglycemia risk three times more often than patients on no insulin regimen. Even when used along with the standing glycemic control regimen, it provided no benefit over a standing regimen alone.
Predictors for hyperglycemia include diabetic complications, severe illness, hospital admission for infectious disease, corticosteroid use, and female gender.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.