Glycemic Control in Neurocritically Ill Patients

Abstract Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and variable blood glucose levels are associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. Patients with acute brain injury are sensitive to changes in glycemic levels because brain metabolism depends on a continuous, reliable supply of glucose. Numerous studies have shown that even moderate hypoglycemia may cause pronounced neuroglycopenia. Conversely hyperglycemia, which is prevalent in neurocritically ill patients, has been related to adverse outcomes after traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.