Intensive insulin therapy in critical care: a review of 12 protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To review performance characteristics of 12 insulin infusion protocols.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We systematically identify and compare 12 protocols and then apply the protocols to generate insulin recommendations in the management of a patient with hyperglycemia. The main focus involves a comparison of insulin doses and patterns of insulin administration.

RESULTS: There is great variability in protocols. Areas of variation include differences in initiation and titration of insulin, use of bolus dosing, requirements for calculation in adjustment of the insulin infusion, and method of insulin protocol adjustments. Insulin recommendations for a sample patient are calculated to highlight differences between protocols, including the patterns and ranges of insulin dose recommended (range 27-115 units [mean +/- SD 66.7 +/- 27.9]), amount recommended for glucose readings >200 mg/dl, and adjustments nearing target glucose.

CONCLUSIONS: The lack of consensus in the delivery of intravenous insulin infusions is reflected in the wide variability of practice noted in this survey. This mandates close attention to the choice of a protocol. One protocol may not suffice for all patients.