BKAT Critical Care Practice Exam

Insulin resistance in critically ill patients is primarily caused by inflammatory mediators. During critical illness, the body experiences a stress response that leads to the release of various cytokines and other inflammatory substances. These mediators have several effects on metabolism, including the inhibition of insulin signaling pathways, which results in decreased glucose uptake by the cells and ultimately leads to insulin resistance.

This process is exacerbated by the underlying conditions that many critically ill patients experience, such as sepsis or trauma, which further drive inflammatory responses. The presence of these inflammatory mediators disrupts normal metabolic functions and can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, a common phenomenon observed in critically ill patients.

Understanding the role of inflammatory mediators is crucial in managing glycemic control and metabolic function in critically ill individuals, highlighting the importance of addressing these inflammatory processes in patient care.