Easy and flexible carbohydrate counting sliding scale reduces blood glucose of hospitalized diabetic patient in safety

IntroductionThe in-hospital sliding scale (Sc) to determine the insulin dose was changed to a carbohydrate counting sliding scale (CSc). Blood glucose levels before and after the change were compared.MethodsThe Sc was used in 32 patients in July and August 2009 (Sc group) and the CSc was used in 32 patients in September and October 2009 (CSc group). The blood glucose levels recorded before breakfast, lunch, and supper for 14 days were analyzed. The overall and daily mean of all blood glucose data were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsThe overall blood glucose level was significantly lower in the CSc group than in the Sc group (p < 0.001). The percentage of blood glucose level below 199 mg/dL was 47% in the Sc group and 59% in the CSc group. The daily blood glucose level in the Sc group was 203-229 mg/dL until day 14, while the daily mean blood glucose level decreased significantly to 186 mg/dL on day 4 in the CSc group and remained in the 176-200 mg/dL range on subsequent days (p = 0.049).ConclusionsThe CSc is easy to use, safe and useful in controlling the blood glucose level.