Diabetics and IV therapy sometimes go hand-in-hand due to mismanagement of the disease. For decades, those suffering with diabetes have understood the disease to be a battle of management. From weight to glucose levels to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diabetics know treating the disease is a full-time job.

Unfortunately, sometimes diabetics find themselves in the hospital due to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or other issues. To manage any of these complications which require hospitalization, an IV is likely a treatment option in a hospital setting to help maintain a consistent blood glucose level between 80 mg/dl and 140mg/dl.

What you need to know about diabetics and IV therapy
Diabetics with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can have frequent trips to the hospital for not only blood glucose control issues, but other conditions as well. One study found 25 percent of type 1 diabetics and 30 percent of type 2 diabetics required hospitalization in a year.¹

Another study found diabetes complications are a risk factor for repeated hospitalizations.² But perhaps the most eye-opening study showed that Americans with diabetes have a three-fold greater chance of hospitalization over those without the disease.³

Another study found diabetes complications are a risk factor for repeated hospitalizations.2 But perhaps the most eye-opening study showed that Americans with diabetes have a three-fold greater chance of hospitalization over those without the disease.3

With studies and statistics showing the increased likelihood for diabetics to receive hospital care, how do doctors and clinicians combine diabetics and IV therapy? It depends on why the patient is hospitalized.

MORE: Read on the 5 Reasons You Might Need an IV.

IV therapy for hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is the medical term that describes an elevated or consistently high level of blood glucose in the body. This usually happens when the body cannot produce insulin at all or cannot produce enough of it. In greater terms, hyperglycemia is noted when a patient’s blood glucose level is above 140 mg/dl. Patients being treated for hyperglycemia or severe hyperglycemia in the hospital are usually given insulin intravenously.4 IV insulin is generally administered in an ICU setting.

IV therapy for hypoglycemia

On the opposite side of the coin for diabetics is hypoglycemia, or when your blood glucose level is lower than 80 mg/dl. While most cases of hypoglycemia can be treated with eating foods high in carbohydrates or high in sugar, severe hypoglycemia may require hospitalization.

 In those cases where a diabetic is hospitalized due to severe hypoglycemia, concentrated IV dextrose 50% is recommended.5 Healthcare workers are also recommended to administer 10 to 25 grams of the solution over the course of 1 to 3 minutes.

READ: Find out more about common IV terms in our glossary.

Whatever the reason for hospitalization, maintaining a baseline level of control when it comes to diabetes remains paramount. If you have diabetes, please consult your doctor to come up with a treatment plan for you, whether it’s through insulin injections, oral medications, insulin pump therapy, or diet and exercise. Diabetics and IV therapy do not have to be a volatile combination.