Hyperglycaemia is a relatively common finding in critically ill patients that substantially increases their morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients include endocrine, neurohumoral and inflammatory factors playing a central role in the development of critical illness.
Hyperglycaemia exerts various negative effects on the organism including increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulatory status.