Why Did I Receive Insulin at the Hospital If I'm Not Diabetic?

Written by Zorida Castro, BSN, RN

There are many reasons why someone, who does not have diabetes, may have insulin on their medication list while in the hospital. This article will describe some, but not all reasons why this might be the case and in simple language. It is important to consult your healthcare provider in the hospital if you have any questions.

Overall, it is important to know that uncontrolled blood sugar can increase the risk of infection, delay procedures, decrease neurologic (brain) recovery, increase the amount of time in the hospital, and more (2). So, it is very important to have your blood sugar managed while in the hospital.

If you are in the hospital for a critical illness, situation, or surgery, these things can impact the natural rhythm and regulation in the body; the stress of these situations can influence hormones, metabolism, and organs which can also affect the body’s natural insulin and blood sugar levels (3). This is called “stress-induced hyperglycemia” (high blood sugar). When this occurs your healthcare team may decide that the medication form of insulin will help regulate your blood sugar until your body can do it by itself again.

While in the hospital you may receive a type of steroid to manage your care; steroids may be found in medications that impact your immune system, decrease inflammation, or others (5). Steroids such as these can increase your blood sugar. Your healthcare team will weigh the benefits versus the risks of using steroids to treat your condition and may add insulin to keep a safe blood sugar level.

When you come to the hospital, your healthcare team may check your blood sugar and perform other blood work. This blood work may lead to a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes. While in the hospital you may have insulin, or other blood sugar medications (4), as part of your care to manage your blood sugar levels and then be provided with education before you leave to know how to navigate this new diagnosis.

Management of blood sugar in the hospital is important for ensuring overall health. It may seem daunting if you are being given a medication, such as insulin if you only know of insulin being used for diabetes management. The goal of this article was to provide some explanations as to why insulin may be used to manage blood sugar in the hospital when you do not have diabetes. Always do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team why you are receiving insulin to get a more personalized answer to your questions.