Glycemic Control

The last decades have witnessed great changes in the definition of glycemic control in the ICU. In the 1990s, stringent glucose control was encouraged. However, later studies have reported the complications of hypoglycemia. The causes of hyperglycemia in the ICU are complex and not limited to diabetes but are also caused by the impact of stress hormones such as cortisol including both stress-induced or iatrogenic increases in steroid levels. This chapter provides information on the pathogenesis, prevention, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis as well as the risk factors for hyperglycemia. It contains tables listing national society guidelines and evidence for glycemic control.