Table 2

Episodes of blood glucose levels below the lower limit

Survival status

Parameters

Blood glucose 3.5 to 6.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose 5 to 8 mmol/l

Survived

Blood glucose (mmol/l; median [range])

3.2 (0.7–3.4); NS

3.5 (1.5–3.9)

Blood glucose < lower limit (n [%])

47/85 (55%)*

24/92 (26%)

Episodes (median [range])

1 (1–6)

1 (1–11)

Time point of occurrence (%)

Week 1

55%*

28%

Week 2

24%

36%

Week 3

21%

36%

Died

Blood glucose (mmol/l; median [range])

2.7 (0.6–3.4); NS

3.7 (3.1–3.9)

Blood glucose < lower limit (n [%])

12/29 (41%)*

6/22 (27%)

Episodes (median [range])

1.5 (1–6)

1.5 (1–3)

Time point of occurrence (%)

Week 1

95%*

50%

Week 2

5%

30%

Week 3

0

20%

Shown are episodes of blood glucose levels below the lower limit in surviving patients and those who died within predefined blood glucose groups. Decreased blood glucose was predominantly encountered in the low blood glucose group during the first week. *P < 0.05, Whitney- Mann rank-sum test. NS, not significant.

Meier et al. Critical Care 2008 12:R98   doi:10.1186/cc6974