Visual Abstract
During the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we modified our insulin infusion protocol (IIP) for use in COVID-19 patients with severe hyperglycemia, in order to reduce entry into patient rooms and minimize viral exposure for healthcare workers (HCW), and preserve personal protective equipment (PPE). Blood glucose (BG) monitoring was less frequent (Q2h vs. Q1h in our standard IIP) and the BG target higher (150-199 mg/dl vs. 120-160 mg/dl). We sought to validate the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 IIP.
We reviewed the medical records of 40 adult patients admitted with COVID-19 from 3/2020-5/2020 who were treated with either standard IIP (n=20) or COVID-19 IIP (n=20) to compare safety (hypoglycemia) and effectiveness (achievement of BG target, mean BG.)
All results (Table) are reported as mean ± SD. Four patients in the standard IIP group and 2 in the COVID-19 IIP did not achieve target BG before IIP discontinuation.
Preliminary results using our modified COVID-19 IIP show that it is safe and effective in controlling severe hyperglycemia, achieving its distinct BG target in a similar timeframe and without any increased risk of hypoglycemia despite reduced BG monitoring frequency. We conclude that our COVID-19 IIP can be used to safely manage hyperglycemia while protecting patients and HCWs as the pandemic continues.
D. Athonvarangkul: None. L. B. Bak: None. C. Zheng: None. J. D’ambrosi: None. J. Siner: None. S. Honiden: None. S. E. Inzucchi: Consultant; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Esperion, Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk.
