Strict versus liberal target range for perioperative glucose in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A prospective randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a liberal blood glucose strategy (121–180 mg/dL) is not inferior to a strict blood glucose strategy (90–120 mg/dL) for outcomes in patients after first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and is superior for glucose control and target blood glucose management.MethodsA total of 189 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were investigated in this prospective randomized study to compare 2 glucose control strategies on patient perioperative outcomes. Three methods of analyses (intention to treat, completer, and per protocol) were conducted. Observed power was robust (>80%) for significant results.ResultsThe groups were similar on preoperative hemoglobin A1c and number of diabetic patients. The liberal group was found to be noninferior to the strict group for perioperative complications and superior on glucose control and target range management. The liberal group had significantly fewer patients with hypoglycemic events (<60 mg/dL; P < .001), but severe hypoglycemic events (