What is the recommended blood glucose target range for most critically ill adults?

• A. 140-180 mg/dL
• B. 80-110 mg/dL
• C. 100-140 mg/dL
• D. 180-200 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

Balancing glucose in the ICU aims to prevent the harm from both high and low levels. For most critically ill adults, the recommended target is 140-180 mg/dL. This range reflects evidence that tighter control (around 80-110 mg/dL) increases hypoglycemia risk and has been linked to worse outcomes in large studies. Maintaining glucose in the 140-180 mg/dL window reduces the dangers of hyperglycemia—such as immune dysfunction, infection, and poor wound healing—while avoiding the harms associated with hypoglycemia. Some patients with chronic diabetes or specific conditions may require individualized targets, but 140-180 mg/dL is the standard for the majority. Targets that are too low risk dangerous hypoglycemia, and targets that are too high permit harmful hyperglycemia, so they are not preferred for most critically ill adults.