The interaction of chronic and acute glycemia with mortality in critically ill patients with diabetes*

Abstract

In patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to intensive care units, there was a significant interaction between preexisting hyperglycemia and the association between acute glycemia and mortality. These observations generate the hypothesis that glucose levels that are considered safe and desirable in other patients might be undesirable in diabetic patients with chronic hyperglycemia. Further studies are required to confirm or refute our findings.