From the Guidelines
Dextrose is a form of glucose that can be administered intravenously to rapidly restore blood glucose levels, particularly in emergency situations such as hypoglycemia, as supported by the 2024 American Heart Association guidelines 1. When considering the use of dextrose, it's essential to understand its role in quickly raising blood sugar levels, which can be lifesaving in cases of untreated hypoglycemia that can lead to seizures, status epilepticus, permanent brain injury, and death 1. Key points about dextrose include:
- It is the primary energy source for the body's cells
- It comes in various concentrations for different medical uses, such as hydration and treating hypoglycemia
- Intravenous dextrose can be particularly useful for individuals who are unable to swallow and are experiencing hypoglycemia, as it can provide immediate energy by rapidly converting to glucose and entering the bloodstream 1. In medical settings, the administration of dextrose, especially in cases of hypoglycemia, is critical for preventing severe outcomes, highlighting the importance of prompt intervention with intravenous dextrose when oral glucose administration is not possible 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dextrose, USP is chemically designated C6H12O6 ∙ H2O (D-glucose monohydrate), a hexose sugar freely soluble in water. Dextrose is a hexose sugar, also known as D-glucose monohydrate, with the chemical designation C6H12O6 ∙ H2O 2.
From the Research
Definition of Dextrose
- Dextrose is a type of sugar that is commonly used in medical settings, particularly in parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It is a dextrose-based solution that provides calories and energy to patients who are unable to consume food orally.
Use of Dextrose in Medical Settings
- Dextrose is often used in PN to provide patients with the necessary nutrients and energy 3, 6.
- The amount of dextrose delivered via PN can be associated with the development of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients without a history of diabetes mellitus 3.
- Reducing the dextrose concentration in PN or using a hypocaloric PN formula can help prevent hyperglycemia and associated adverse outcomes 4, 5.
Hyperglycemia and Dextrose
- Hyperglycemia is a common problem in hospitalized patients receiving artificial nutrition, including those receiving dextrose-based PN or EN 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The development of hyperglycemia during PN therapy increases the risks of hospital-related complications and mortality 3, 7.
- Insulin therapy is often used to manage hyperglycemia in patients receiving dextrose-based PN or EN 4, 5, 7.