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How much does the blood glucose concentration increase when dextrose 50% (D50) is administered?
A new study found a median increase of 4 mg/dL (0.2 mmol/L) per gram of D50 administered.
This retrospective study was conducted in critically ill patients who experienced hypoglycemia while receiving an insulin infusion. While it may not directly apply to all Emergency Department patients, an estimation of the expected blood glucose increase from rescue dextrose is helpful. If the blood glucose doesn't respond as anticipated, it can help us troubleshoot possible issues (eg, line access).
References
Murthy MS, et al. Blood glucose response to rescue dextrose in hypoglycemic, critically ill patients receiving an insulin infusion. Ann Pharmacother 2015;49(8):892-6. [PMID 25986006]
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