Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

Stable glucose levels in a critically ill patient are typically defined as being within a range where the risks of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are minimized. A glucose level between 140-180 mg/dL is often considered the target range for critically ill patients, according to various clinical guidelines.

Maintaining glucose levels within this range helps to reduce the risks associated with severe hyperglycemia, which can lead to complications such as infections, increased mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. It also avoids the dangers of hypoglycemia which can arise if glucose levels are maintained too low.

Other ranges, such as below 100 mg/dL or between 100-140 mg/dL, may not adequately account for the stress response seen in critically ill patients, which can cause fluctuations in glucose levels and potentially lead to negative outcomes. The lower than 200 mg/dL option may not be specific enough to guarantee stability, as it includes ranges that could still lead to significant hyperglycemia. Therefore, the range of 140-180 mg/dL is highlighted as the optimal target for these patients.