Trial Information

Early Insulin Therapy and Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ALI/ARDS is a life-threatening condition that involves inflammation of the lungs and fluid
accumulation in the air sacs, leading to low blood oxygen levels and respiratory failure.
Common causes include pneumonia, lung trauma, and sepsis, a condition that can lead to
widespread inflammation and blood clotting in response to an infection. Recent studies have
shown that insulin, which is regularly used to control blood sugar levels, may prevent or
lessen the risk of lung tissue inflammation and/or lung injury related to sepsis. Research
has shown that critically ill ICU patients often benefit from receiving IIT, but it is not
known if IIT can prevent the onset of ALI/ARDS. Therapies to prevent ALI/ARDS should occur
early, preferably even prior to ICU admission, because at least 38% of people with ALI/ARDS
are diagnosed with the condition once they reach the ICU. The purpose of this study is to
determine whether IIT administered to critically ill patients in the emergency department
(ED) is more beneficial at preventing ALI/ARDS than IIT administered to patients 48 hours
after ICU admission.

This study will enroll people who are hospitalized with high blood sugar levels and severe
sepsis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive IIT within 6-12 hours of ED
presentation to target 80-110 mg/dl or target 150-180 mg/dl for 48 hours after admission to
the ICU followed by usual care. Prior to ICU admission and 1, 3, and 7 days after ICU
admission, blood will be collected and analyzed for markers of inflammation and lung injury.
Blood samples will be stored for future research studies. While participants are in the
hospital, their medical records will be reviewed to gather information on medical and family
history, demographics, vital signs, laboratory test results, x-ray findings, and lung
function. Study researchers will also monitor participants for the development of severe
lung failure or other organ failures.