A new clinical practice guideline published in the January 2012
issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
includes the recommendation that everyone admitted to the
hospital have blood glucose testing performed. The evidence-
based guideline was developed by a panel convened by The
Endocrine Society made up of experts in the field of
hyperglycemia (high blood glucose, the major body sugar). The
panel carried out a critical review of a large number of
research papers to assess the strength and quality of evidence
about the diagnosis and treatment of hyperglycemia in
hospitalized patients not in intensive care. The aim was to
develop guidelines on the management of hyperglycemia in
hospitalized patients to improve care for those with
hyperglycemia and diabetes. Studies have shown that about one-
third of hospital patients on general wards, not exclusively
diabetics, have hyperglycemia. Causes include the physical
stress of illness, trauma or surgery, lack of mobility, drugs
including steroids l