Glycemic Control in Intensive Care Unit: A Proposal for the Safe Application in the Post-Surgical Patient

Abstract

Objectives: This study is to propose recommendations regarding glycemic control in intensive care in the post surgical patient. Methods: It was carried out as a literature review using the following search terms: post anesthesia nursing, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, intensive care units, glycemic control. Results: Within each article, outcomes of patients undergoing continuous treatment with insulin infusion were examined in addition to the percentage of patients who fell in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Conclusions: Given the risks of hypoglycaemia, the authors recommend: Start early infusion at a constant supply of glucose; the start of continuous infusion of insulin to the overrun of 180 mg/dL; the use of solutions for infusion at a concentration of 1 unit mL, and glucose monitoring every 2 hours