Management of hyperglycemia during and in the immediate follow-up of acute coronary syndrome

Diabetes is a serious, frequent, and insidious morbidity and mortality risk factor in patients with coronary artery disease. It has been shown that carbohydrate metabolism disorders are common in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs): 30–40% of patients have diabetes, 25–36% have an intolerance to carbohydrates, and only 30–40% have a normal carbohydrate profile. Hyperglycemia occurring either in diabetic or nondiabetic patients is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. It increases the extent of myocardial necrosis, and the risk of recurrence acute coronary syndrome and hemodynamic complications, particularly heart failure and cardiogenic shock, reflecting the importance of optimal management of glucose metabolism abnormalities. The objective of this article is to suggest a screening and management guide for carbohydrate metabolism disorders during and in the immediate follow-up of ACS in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Screening must be systematic in any patient admitted for ACS, and based on hemoglobin A1c and oral glucose tolerance testing. Treatment of hyperglycemia in the cardiology intensive care unit is recommended in any patient admitted with hyperglycemia >1.80 g/L or postfeeding blood glucose level >1.40 g/L, and should be based on intravenous insulin with concomitant infusion of glucose solution under strict monitoring. Once the patient is no longer in intensive care, intravenous insulin therapy is no longer recommended, and the passage to a fixed insulin therapy regimen or to oral antidiabetics should be considered in consultation with diabetologists. During the rehabilitation phase, good glycemic control improves both prognosis and survival.