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Conclusion
The diagnosis of hypoglycemia in critically ill patients
appears to be a challenge. Bedside glucose analyzers
are often not reliable at the low ranges of glycemia,
and hypoglycemia-related neurological signs may be
masked.
Whether spontaneous or linked with insulin infusion,
the occurrence of hypoglycemia in critical illness,
especially severe hypoglycemia, is associated with
a poor prognosis without clear identification of the
reason for this higher mortality.

Not surprisingly, intensive insulin strategy aiming to
achieve “normoglycemia” is accompanied by an in-
creased incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Because
of its potentially harmful and life-threatening con-
sequences, hypoglycemia represents the main limit
to the development of a tight blood glucose control
strategy in critical illness.

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2. Hypoglycemia and Risk of Death in Critically Ill PatientsThe NICE-SUGAR
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3. David W. Bates, MD, MSc.Unexpected Hypoglycemia in a Critically Ill
Patient. Annals of Internal Medicine 16 July 2002:Vol 137,N 2;110-117
1
4. Jean-Claude Lacherade, M.D., Sophie Jacqueminet, M.D., and Jean-
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Charles Preiser, M.D., Ph.D.An Overview of Hypoglycemia in the Criti-
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5. Moritoki Egi, MD, Rinaldo Bellomo, MD, Edward Stachowski, MD et
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