What do current guidelines from AACE/ADA recommend for the glycemic target range in most critically ill adults?

What do current guidelines from AACE/ADA recommend for the glycemic target range in most critically ill adults?

• A. 180-200 mg/dL
• B. 140-180 mg/dL
• C. 100-140 mg/dL
• D. 200-230 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

Managing glucose in critically ill patients is about balancing the risks of high and low sugars to avoid harm. Current AACE/ADA guidelines endorse aiming for a glucose range of about 140–180 mg/dL for most critically ill adults. This target reflects evidence that very tight control (lower glucose targets) can increase hypoglycemia and mortality, while allowing glucose to drift too high is associated with adverse outcomes in critical illness. Using an IV insulin infusion with frequent monitoring helps maintain glucose in this safe window, adjusting for factors like nutrition, steroids, and preexisting diabetes. Targets that sit higher, such as 180–200 mg/dL or 200–230 mg/dL, tend to permit more hyperglycemia and miss the opportunity to reduce related complications. Targets that are tighter, such as 100–140 mg/dL, increase the risk of hypoglycemia without improving overall outcomes in this population.

Managing glucose in critically ill patients is about balancing the risks of high and low sugars to avoid harm. Current AACE/ADA guidelines endorse aiming for a glucose range of about 140–180 mg/dL for most critically ill adults. This target reflects evidence that very tight control (lower glucose targets) can increase hypoglycemia and mortality, while allowing glucose to drift too high is associated with adverse outcomes in critical illness. Using an IV insulin infusion with frequent monitoring helps maintain glucose in this safe window, adjusting for factors like nutrition, steroids, and preexisting diabetes.

Targets that sit higher, such as 180–200 mg/dL or 200–230 mg/dL, tend to permit more hyperglycemia and miss the opportunity to reduce related complications. Targets that are tighter, such as 100–140 mg/dL, increase the risk of hypoglycemia without improving overall outcomes in this population.