FAQs
What is stress hyperglycemia and how does it differ from regular diabetes?
Stress hyperglycemia is a temporary rise in blood glucose caused by acute illness, surgery, or intense stress, whereas diabetes is a chronic condition with persistent high glucose levels.
When should stress hyperglycemia be treated in a hospital setting?
Treatment is usually started when two consecutive blood glucose readings exceed 180 mg/dL, or earlier if red‑flag symptoms such as ketoacidosis, septic shock, or cardiac instability are present.
What is the standard insulin infusion protocol for stress hyperglycemia?
Most protocols begin with an intravenous insulin infusion of 0.05 U/kg/hr, adjusting the rate every 1‑2 hours to keep glucose between 140‑180 mg/dL using a sliding scale based on the current reading.
Can stress hyperglycemia be managed without insulin?
In stable patients, low‑dose oral agents like metformin or GLP‑1 agonists may be used, but insulin (IV or sub‑cutaneous) remains the first‑line treatment in the acute setting because of its rapid action.
What steps should I take after discharge if I experienced stress hyperglycemia?
Schedule a follow‑up within a week, keep a glucose log for at least two weeks, monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, and discuss with your doctor whether continued medication or lifestyle changes are needed.
