Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Inpatients on Intravenous Insulin

PurposeThis article describes a protocol used to implement a continuous glucose monitoring program for patients treated with intravenous insulin.DescriptionAlthough continuous glucose monitoring is not indicated for use in hospitalized patients, the COVID-19 pandemic created an immediate need to effectively address the increasing number of people hospitalized with hyperglycemia. The article highlights the implementation process and key glycemic outcomes, discusses the impact of continuous glucose monitoring use on staff time and healthcare resource utilization, and provides information about program expansion.OutcomeMost patients achieved established glycemic targets. Our program improved staff safety by reducing their exposure to infection. Use of continuous glucose monitoring decreased staff time by almost 2 hours per person per day compared with point-of-care testing and resulted in an average cost savings of $278.00 per patient.ConclusionContinuous glucose monitoring is safe and effective in managing glycemia among patients treated with intravenous insulin.