Predictive value of different glycemic variability indicators for prognosis in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Predictive value of different glycemic variability indicators for prognosis in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis

  • By

  • Lingling Wu

  • Jie Zhang

  • Weihong Shen

  • Fanglei Xu

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Prognostic Significance of Glycemic Variability Metrics

Overview

This meta-analysis evaluates the relationship between various glycemic variability (GV) metrics and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. It finds that elevated coefficients of variation (CV) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) are associated with increased all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Background

Glycemic variability is an important factor influencing prognosis in critically ill patients, particularly those experiencing stress-induced hyperglycemia.

Data Highlights

GV MetricAssociation with ACMAssociation with MACE
Coefficient of Variation (CV)HR = 1.40 for NDM, HR = 1.32 for DMHR = 2.45
Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions (MAGE)HR = 1.50HR = 2.12
Standard Deviation (SD)Not specifiedHR = 2.45

Key Findings

  • Elevated CV is associated with increased 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality.
  • MAGE shows the strongest association with 30-day all-cause mortality (HR = 1.50).
  • Both elevated SD and MAGE are linked to an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
  • The impact of increased CV on 30-day ACM is greater in non-diabetic patients compared to diabetic patients.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should prioritize monitoring glycemic variability metrics, particularly MAGE and CV, to better predict patient outcomes in critically ill populations. Individualized glucose management strategies may enhance patient care and reduce mortality risks.

Conclusion

This study highlights the prognostic significance of glycemic variability metrics in critically ill patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Prognostic Significance and Temporal Patterns of Glycemic Variability in Critically Ill Non-Diabetic Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
  2. Intensive Care Medicine, 2010 -- Impact of Glucose Variability on Mortality: A Comprehensive Review
  3. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Glycemic variability and the short-term mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis
  4. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Acute glycemic variability and short-term mortality of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a meta-analysis
  5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  6. Intensive Insulin Therapy in Critically Ill Patients | New England Journal of Medicine
  7. Frontiers | Short-term glycemic variability and the risk of adverse ICU outcomes in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  9. Intensive Insulin Therapy in Critically Ill Patients | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. Frontiers | Short-term glycemic variability and the risk of adverse ICU outcomes in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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