REDuced CARBohydrate enteral formula compared to standard care in hyperglycaemic critically ill tube fed patients – a randomised controlled phase II trial

This study is investigating whether using a specially formulated tube feed with reduced carbohydrate content can improve blood sugar control in critically ill patients who are receiving nutrition through a tube (enteral nutrition) and who have developed high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) in the ICU. High blood sugar is very common in critically ill patients and is linked to worse outcomes, including a higher risk of death. Participants in the intensive care unit who need tube feeding and have recently had blood sugar levels above 10 mmol/L or required insulin will be randomly assigned to receive either the reduced-carbohydrate formula or standard tube feed formula. Researchers will track blood glucose levels, insulin requirements, and other clinical outcomes during their ICU stay. To be eligible, you must be an adult (18 or older) admitted to an ICU, currently receiving or about to start enteral (tube) feeding, and have had recent high blood sugar levels or required insulin for glucose control. Patients who have already been tube-fed for more than 72 hours or who have a very poor prognosis are not eligible. This pilot trial is run by The University of Queensland.