The Association of Insulin-dextrose Treatment with Hypoglycemia in Patients with Hyperkalemia

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 16;10(1):22044. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-79180-7.

Abstract

Treatment of hyperkalemia with intravenous insulin-dextrose is associated with a risk of hypoglycemia. We aimed to determine the factors associated with hypoglycemia (glucose < 3.9 mmol/L, or < 70 mg/dL) and the critical time window with the highest incidence. In a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital network, we included 421 adult patients with a serum potassium ≥ 6.0 mmol/L who received insulin-dextrose treatment. The mean age was 70 years with 62% male predominance. The prevalence of diabetes was 60%, and 70% had chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). The incidence of hypoglycemia was 21%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors independently associated with hypoglycemia were: body mass index (per 5 kg/m2, OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99, P = 0.04), eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.32-4.63, P = 0.005), diabetes (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.98, P = 0.043), pre-treatment blood glucose (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.91, P < 0.001), and treatment in the emergency department compared to other locations (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.49-4.31, P = 0.001). Hypoglycemia occurred most frequently between 60 and 150 min, with a peak at 90 min. Understanding the factors associated with hypoglycemia and the critical window of risk is essential for the development of preventive strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Glucose* / administration & dosage
  • Glucose* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hyperkalemia* / blood
  • Hyperkalemia* / drug therapy
  • Hyperkalemia* / epidemiology
  • Hypoglycemia* / blood
  • Hypoglycemia* / chemically induced
  • Hypoglycemia* / epidemiology
  • Insulin* / administration & dosage
  • Insulin* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Glucose