The effect of a low carbohydrate formula on glycaemia in critically ill enterally-fed adult patients with hyperglycaemia: A blinded randomised feasibility trial

Abstract

Background: Enteral nutrition is a source of carbohydrate that may exacerbate hyperglycaemia. Its treatment, insulin, potentially exacerbates glycaemic variability. Methods: This was a prospective, parallel group, blinded, randomised feasibility trial. Patients were eligible if 18 years or over when admitted to the intensive care unit and receiving enteral nutrition (EN) exclusively with two consecutive blood glucose > 10 mmol/L. A standardized glucose management protocol determined administration of insulin. Key outcome measures were insulin administered and glycaemic variability (coefficient of variation) over the first 48 h. Results: 41 patients were randomized to either standard EN (14.1..