ODP199 Full Implementation of Automated Self-Adjusting Subcutaneous Insulin Algorithm

Abstract Background - We programmed a self-adjusting subcutaneous insulin algorithm (SQIA) in the electronic medical record for patients who are NPO, on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or on continuous tube feedings (CTF). The SQIA only requires a nurse to enter a patient's current glucose value and then calculates the next insulin dose based on previous dose, and current and previous glucoses. The SQIA titrates for a goal glucose of 120 -180 mg/dL. The advantage of this automated algorithm is that no new orders are required, even if insulin is added to TPN or tube feeding rate is changed. We previously reported results of a pilot study with 67% of blood glucoses in the 80-180 mg/dL range without any hypoglycemia (glucose < 60 mg/dL). Hypothesis - Following the successful pilot, the SQIA was instituted in September 2020 at our institution's three adult hospitals. We hypothesized that glucose control with the SQIA will be non-inferior to previous inpatient glycemic management and successfully maintain blood glucoses in the goal range. Methods - The SQIA was implemented on September 3, 2020 for patients who were NPO, on TPN, or on CTF. Any clinician placing insulin orders could select the SQIA as an alternate to ordering standard fixed aspart dosing or a sliding scale at four-hour intervals. We performed a prospective analysis on all patients managed with the SQIA during the first year of implementation (9/3/2020–9/2/2021) to evaluate use of the SQIA and resulting glycemic control. Results were compared to patients during the preceding one-year period (9/3/2019-9/2/2020) who were ordered for standard subcutaneous insulin aspart dosing while being NPO, on TPN, or on CTF. Results During the study period, the SQIA was utilized during 2691 time intervals within 1774 hospitalizations. The average duration for each interval was 56.4 hours and glucoses were checked every 3.9 hours while on the SQIA. Average point-of-care blood glucose while on SQIA was 157.5 ± 52.6 mg/dL. In a similar set of 1987 hospitalized patients in the preceding year who were on standard subcutaneous insulin orders, the average blood glucose was 159.4 ± 55.1 mg/dL. Conclusions - A self-adjusting SQIA effectively maintained glucose within the goal inpatient range during our first year of implementation and was non-inferior to prior glycemic control using standard dosing protocols. The SQIA provided an avenue for effective glycemic control while eliminating the need for insulin dosage titration by clinicians. Hospitals and health systems should consider pursuing similar innovations to improve the ease of inpatient glycemic control while continuing to meet glycemic targets. Presentation: No date and time listed