Up to 25% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit have previously diagnosed diabetes. Diabetics are most commonly admitted for treatment of complications of comorbid diseases. New-onset hyperglycemia also is common in critically ill patients, and it affects patient morbidity and mortality rates. A growing body of literature supports the benefits of tight glycemic control in certain patient populations. However, further data are needed about the optimal concentration of blood glucose, the role of maintaining euglycemia in a broader group of patients (including the medically critically ill), and the mechanisms of benefit of infused glucose and insulin.

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