Can the patient eat or receive glucose in IV fluids?
In general, the Glucommander can only control the blood glucose when the rate that glucose enters the patients system from the gut or by IV is constant. This can be accomplished by ordering a certain rate of infusion of dextrose containing IV solutions or tube feedings. Intravenous boluses of glucose and meals containing significant carbohydrate should be avoided. The Glucommander is quite capable of stabilizing blood sugar even if the patient is fasting and receiving no IV dextrose or food.
