What is the appropriate target glucose range for a critically ill patient upon admission?

For critically ill patients, the recommended target glucose range upon admission is typically set at 140-180 mg/dL. This range has been established based on evidence suggesting that maintaining glucose levels within this threshold can help reduce the risk of complications associated with hyperglycemia while also minimizing the risks linked to hypoglycemia.

Adopting a target of 140-180 mg/dL strikes a balance; it is tighter than the higher thresholds, thus aiming for better glycemic control, especially in critically ill patients who may have altered insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism due to their underlying conditions and stress responses. Furthermore, this range is adaptable enough to allow for patient-specific considerations, such as pre-existing diabetes or other comorbidities, while still prioritizing patient safety and quality of care during the critical phase of treatment.

Setting a target glucose range higher than this can risk further complications and negative outcomes, whereas a lower target could increase the likelihood of experiencing harmful drops in blood glucose levels. Therefore, the recommended range of 140-180 mg/dL is grounded in current clinical guidelines aimed at optimizing the care of critically ill patients.