Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

In the management of diabetes for critically ill hospitalized patients, the threshold for initiating insulin therapy is commonly accepted at approximately 180 mg/dL. This level is based on guidelines that aim to prevent hyperglycemia, which has been associated with poorer outcomes in critically ill individuals. The rationale for starting insulin at this threshold is grounded in research indicating that maintaining blood glucose levels below this point can help reduce the risk of complications, enhance recovery, and improve overall patient outcomes. Monitoring and managing glucose levels effectively in a hospital setting is especially crucial, as stress and illness can lead to significant physiological changes that impact glucose metabolism. Insulin therapy becomes essential to regulate hyperglycemia that may result from steroids, infections, or other stressors commonly encountered in critically ill patients. Lower thresholds might be used by some institutions depending on individual patient circumstances, but 180 mg/dL serves as a widely recognized standard when considering insulin initiation in these contexts.