[Antihyperglycaemic therapy in critically ill patients].

Hyperglycemia frequently occurs in critically ill patients resulting in major complications like an increased cardiovascular event rate or an increased incidence of infections. Based on the currently available evidence insulin therapy should be initiated in patients with blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dl. Blood glucose values should be maintained between 180 and 140 mg/dl. In surgical patients lower target values ranging from 140 to 110 mg/dl should be applied. After transition to the general ward a complete workup of diabetes mellitus should be performed.