Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the recommended range for blood glucose management in critically ill individuals receiving insulin therapy?

1. 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL

2. 90 mg/dL to 124 mg/dL

3. 110 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL

4. 160 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL

The correct answer is: 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL

The recommended range for blood glucose management in critically ill individuals receiving insulin therapy is typically set between 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL. This range has been established through clinical guidelines and studies that indicate maintaining blood glucose within this target can help reduce the risk of complications associated with hyperglycemia while minimizing the risks of hypoglycemia that can occur with tighter control. In critically ill patients, the focus is often on avoiding large fluctuations in blood glucose levels as these can exacerbate underlying conditions and lead to adverse outcomes. Maintaining glucose levels in the range of 140 to 180 mg/dL allows for better overall management of metabolic stress without increasing the risk of erroneous glucose drops that could lead to hypoglycemic events, which can be particularly dangerous in a hospital setting where the patient's condition may be unstable. In settings where stricter controls are applied or in specific patient populations, the recommendations may vary; however, the 140 to 180 mg/dL range is widely recognized as a safe and effective approach for most critically ill patients. This range balances the need for control with the inherent risks of the critical illness context.