Benefits and Risks of Intensive Glucose Control in Intensive Care Units: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Nurs Crit CareSep 1, 2026
Yuanjie Duan, Juan Liu, Shiyu Lin et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis of 70 randomized controlled trials involving 36,502 ICU patients compared intensive versus liberal glucose control. The study found no significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05) between the two approaches. However, intensive glucose control was associated with a higher risk of severe hypoglycaemia and a lower risk of infection.
Key findings
- All-cause mortality was similar for intensive and liberal glucose control (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05).
- Intensive glucose control increased the risk of severe hypoglycaemia in adults (RR 3.55; 95% CI 2.49-5.07).
- Intensive glucose control reduced the risk of infection in adults (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.63-0.97).
- No significant differences were found in other complications such as sepsis or acute renal injury.
Why it matters
Understanding the effects of glucose control strategies in ICU patients is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. This study highlights the need for careful consideration of the risks and benefits associated with intensive glucose management.