Background: Dysglycemia is a frequent and independent risk factor for poor outcomes in critically sick patients. Yet, in Saudi Arabian intensive care units (ICUs), blood glucose (BG) management hasn’t gotten much attention. This study was done to assess attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding BG control among ICU professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male and female ICU professionals (n = 150, between 25-55 years old) in Saudi Arabia. The study was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included years of professional experience and questions about their attitude, knowledge, and practices regarding BG control in the ICU.
Results: A total of 150 questionnaires were enrolled in this study. The age of ICU professionals was 25-55 years old. In the study, when BG levels in non-diabetic individuals exceeded 6.1 mmol/l, 10 mmol/l, and 11.1 mmol/l, respectively, 78, 45, and 12 of the 15 respondents began using insulin. In addition, 78/150 (52.0%) respondents consistently administered a 40 ml 50% glucose solution to treat hypoglycemia, and 91/150 (60.7%) responders recognized BG values 15-30 minutes after glucose infusion. In addition, 58/150 (38.7%) respondents routinely detected BG levels every 1 hour in critically ill patients.
Conclusion: In regards to BG control in ICU physicians, this study concluded the requirement for further training. In addition, according to continuing variation in practice, more clinical trials of BG control in critically ill patients are also needed.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, ICU, blood glucose, attitude, knowledge.
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