In non-ICU inpatients with hyperglycemia, what is the typical target blood glucose range?

• A. 140-180 mg/dL.
• B. 80-120 mg/dL.
• C. 200-240 mg/dL.
• D. 300-350 mg/dL.

Answer: (A)

In non-ICU inpatients with hyperglycemia, the goal is to keep glucose in a safe, balanced range that reduces complications without causing dangerous hypoglycemia. The typical target is 140–180 mg/dL, which provides effective glycemic control while accounting for fluctuations in meal intake, infections, and overall illness that can make tight glucose control risky. A tighter target like 80–120 mg/dL would raise hypoglycemia risk in patients with irregular meals or variable insulin needs. Conversely, allowing levels to stay in the 200–240 mg/dL or higher range is associated with worse outcomes, including infection risk and dehydration. So 140–180 mg/dL is the commonly recommended middle ground for most non-ICU inpatients.