A protocol based on the absolute glucose value - Matias protocol (Matias)

A protocol based on the relative glucose change - Bath protocol (Bath)

a computer-based model predictive control algorithm with variable sampling rate (eMPC)

Insulin was was administered according to each protocol rules/suggestions into a central venous line as a continuous infusion (Bath and eMPC protocols) or as a combination of a continuous infusion and boluses (Matias protocol). A standard concentration of 50 IU of insulin in 50 ml of 0.9% NaCl was used. In all patients, infusion of 10% glucose solution was initiated upon admission to ICU with glucose dose of 2.5 g/kg of ideal body weight (height in centimetres minus 100) per hour and lasted for 18 hours, when normal oral food intake was started. In ventilated patients, the glucose infusion lasted for 48 hours, and then standard enteral nutrition was initiated.