Hyperglycemia in the hospital setting is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Enteral tube feed (TF), required for many acutely ill patients, often worsens glycemic control. Different insulin regimens have been proposed to manage hyperglycemia during TF. However, no data are comparing one insulin regimen Vs another. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in glycemic control between NPH insulin Vs regular insulin, two regimens frequently used for continuous TF at our hospital. Patients who received continuous TF between June 2022 and May 2023 were identified retrospectively. Baseline demographic and POC blood glucose (BG) data were obtained from the electronic databases while all other data were collected using manual chart review. All BG values and insulin data (scheduled and correctional injections) were collected for 7 days after the start of TF. Glucometerics were derived as per the Society of Hospital Medicine. The results of the study are shown in the adjoining Table 1. Mean daily BG levels were similar in the two groups but the number of days with hyperglycemia (>180mg/dl) was fewer in the regular insulin group. Average number of insulin injections were also fewer in the regular insulin group. The study shows that in hospitalized patients on continuous TF, regular insulin achieves better glycemic control with fewer injections as compared to NPH insulin.
S.T. Kalangi: None. D. Kent: None. R.K. Garg: None.
