Hypoglycemic Agents and Anesthetic Techniques to Ameliorate Stress Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The concurrent utilization of hypoglycemic agents and anesthetic techniques has been demonstrated to mitigate stress hyperglycemia in critically ill patients without diabetes, thereby contributing to enhanced patient outcomes. Stress hyperglycemia, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels as a result of acute illness or physiological stress, frequently manifests in patients experiencing critical illness. This condition has been linked to augmented morbidity, protracted hospitalization durations, and elevated mortality rates. This review aims to introduce and critically assess various hypoglycemic agents and anesthetic techniques employed to alleviate stress hyperglycemia, emphasizing the necessity for continued research to comprehensively ascertain the safety and efficacy of these approaches, which will facilitate their broader integration.