Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and associated with an adverse outcome. Thus, glycaemic control is an important issue in critical care. Despite extensive efforts of the intensive care unit staff difficulties were experienced in achieving efficient and safe glucose control. A fully automated algorithm may help to overcome some of these limitations by excluding intuitive interventions and integrating relevant clinical data in the decision-making process. Space GlucoseControl (TGC system) is a decision support system which helps to achieve safe and reliable blood glucose control in the desired ranges. Information on parenteral and enteral nutrition is automatically integrated into the calculations. The primary objective of the current study is to investigate the performance and usability of the Space TGC system for glucose control over an tight glucose control range (4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L) in surgical intensive care patients.

Inclusion:

• age: > 18 years of age
• stay in the ICU expected to be > 20 h
• blood glucose > 110 mg/dl or patient on insulin treatment

Exclusion:

• patients with hyperglycaemic crisis/ketoacidosis due to insulin deficiency.
• known or suspected allergy to insulin
• any disease or condition which the investigator or treating physician feels would interfere with the trial or the safety of the patient (i.e., liver failure, other fatal organ failures)
• moribund patients likely to die within 24 hours