Glycemic Control in the ICU
Advance for Nurses, February 14, 2005 The Learning Scope, by Leslie A. Wallace, BSN, RN, CCRN,
Sandy L. Lee, BSN, RN, & Dawn A. Cooper, MS, RN, CCRN

Protocol promotes safe and effective implementation of insulin drips in busy ICU setting Maintaining glucose levels within normal limits has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Recognition is growing that whether it be diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia from corticosteroids or the stress of critical illness, the implications are the same and critical care nurses must act rapidly to bring glucose levels under control to improve patient outcomes. The difficult part is to safely and effectively implement insulin drips in a busy ICU setting.

The nurses in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) at Yale-New Haven (CT) Hospital participated in development of an insulin infusion protocol (IIP) and managed the insulin infusion to maintain a narrow glucose range of 100-139 mg/dL. The protocol provides a framework for drip adjustments but requires nurses to understand the patient's condition and plan of care to optimize outcomes.

CE Offering 1.5 Contact Hours. The goal of this continuing education offering is to provide nurses with current information about glycemic control in patients in the critical care setting.