High Glycemic Variability Linked to Higher Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Individuals with Sepsis

Strategic Insights -

Type 2 diabetes individuals admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis are at a higher risk of mortality due to glycemic variability, according to a recent study. Researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 233 patients with type 2 diabetes and sepsis, finding that those with high glycemic variability had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with low glycemic variability. The study's findings highlight the importance of closely managing blood glucose levels in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

  • A study of 233 patients with type 2 diabetes and sepsis found that those with high glycemic variability had a significantly lower survival rate (1.4% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.000).
  • The high-glycemic variability group had a higher mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) and glucose coefficient of variation (GluCV) compared to the low-glycemic variability group.
  • The low-glycemic variability group had a lower mortality rate and no significant difference in length of stay (LoS) compared to the high-glycemic variability group.
  • The use of glucose variability parameters such as MAGE and GluCV may help identify patients at risk of mortality in the intensive care unit.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of closely managing blood glucose levels in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Burhan Gunawan and colleagues from the Department of Internal Medicine at Sumber Waras Hospital and other institutions conducted the study.

Statistics:

  • 233 individuals with type 2 diabetes and sepsis were included in the study.
  • 39.48% of patients had high glycemic variability (high GV group).
  • 60.52% of patients had low glycemic variability (low GV group).
  • 1.4% mortality rate in the low-GV group vs. 97.8% in the high-GV group (p = 0.000).
  • No significant difference in LoS using MAGE (p = 0.14).
  • Significant difference in LoS using GluCV.

Sources:

  • Glycemic Variability as an Independent Predictor of 30-Day Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Individuals with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit (Clinical Diabetology, 2025,14(1)).
  • NewsRx LLC. Reports Summarize Type 2 Diabetes Research from Department of Internal Medicine (Glycemic Variability as an Independent Predictor of 30-Day Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Individuals with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit). Diabetes Week. October 20, 2025; p 441.