Researcher Summary
Elevated blood sugar concentrations (hyperglycaemia) commonly occur in very premature infants in neonatal intensive care, and have been associated with increased mortality and worsened outcomes. Insulin can be used to treat hyperglycaemia, but current clinical practice worldwide often results in dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). This research uses mathematical models of glucose-insulin physiology and statistical forecasting to determine an insulin dosage that is safe and effective. This model-based protocol is implemented as a tablet-based application, and is used in neonatal intensive care units in New Zealand and Hungary.