Insulin therapy improves protein metabolism in the critically ill

Critical illness, trauma and burns are associated with profound metabolic abnormalities, of which protein catabolism, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are hallmarks of these conditions. Increased protein breakdown and loss results in muscle wasting, weakness and diminished functioning. Interestingly, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance augment catabolic responses. Insulin, which is routinely administered to critically ill patients to …