Insulin Degludec vs Insulin Glargine for Glycemic Control in Critical Illness Hyperglycemia.

Abstract

Aim and background: Hyperglycemia is a serious condition and associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality in both critically ill and non-critically ill people. Improvement in the glycemic level reduces the length of hospital stay, systemic infections and short- and long-term mortality. The aim was to test the effectiveness of insulin degludec vs insulin glargine and regular insulin in controlling blood sugar in patients with critical hyperglycemia.

Materials and methods: Using random control trial, the patients were randomly divided into three equal groups-group R, group G and group D. Each group included 30 patients. Group G was managed using regular insulin together with an insulin glargine. Group D was managed using regular insulin together with an insulin degludec. However, group R was managed using only regular insulin.

Results: The incidence of hypoglycemia was statistically more significant in the group of regular insulin than in groups G and group D with a p-value 0.0069. There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the frequency of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: Ultra-long-acting insulin can effectively control random blood sugar (RBS) with a decrease in the total dose of insulin used. It is recommended that using insulin degludec is a safe and effective alternative to regular insulin for glycemic control in critically ill patients.

How to cite this article: El Sherif IM, Haggag AM, Abbas MH, Kamel WY. Insulin Degludec vs Insulin Glargine for Glycemic Control in Critical Illness Hyperglycemia. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(1):52-58.