Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

For critically ill hospitalized patients, maintaining blood glucose levels within a safe range is crucial to minimize complications and improve outcomes. The recommended target range for this population has been established through research and clinical guidelines, which suggest that keeping blood glucose levels between 140-180 mg/dL helps reduce the risks of hyperglycemia-related adverse effects and potential harm while still allowing for adequate glycemic control.

This range balances the prevention of hypoglycemia and the management of hyperglycemia in a high-stakes environment where patients may have altered metabolism or require fluctuating levels of insulin or other medications. Higher glucose levels can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, so maintaining levels within this specified target range is critical for managing the health of critically ill patients.

In clinical practice, while some may consider lower ranges for non-critically ill patients to reduce long-term complications, the dynamics and considerations in critical care settings are distinctly different, warranting a higher target range.