Stress-induced hyperglycemia

Stress-induced hyperglycemia is common in the ICU. Major contributing facto rs include excessive counterregulatory hormones, cytokine release and admin istration of excessive dextrose support. Evidence that aggressive managemen t of hyperglycemia in the ICU is beneficial is sparse, and many studies are retrospective. Correction of hyperglycemia clearly improves mortality in p atients with myocardial infarction (MI), and may reduce subsequent infectio us complications in surgical patients.