Dec. 10, 2025
New Study Highlights Risks in En Route Insulin Administration & Calls for Enhanced Protocols
JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas —
A decade-long study reviewing nearly 3,000 Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) patient records found significant safety concerns related to insulin administration during military aeromedical evacuations. Only 2% of transported patients received insulin, yet insulin infusions were linked to a 23% rate of hypoglycemia; highlighting the difficulty of precise glucose control in the challenging aircraft environment. The research also noted inconsistent glucose monitoring practices, with 60% of IV push insulin doses lacking a documented glucose check within one hour. To reduce risk and improve outcomes, the study recommends prioritizing subcutaneous insulin as the primary treatment for hyperglycemia during en route care and strengthening monitoring protocols when IV insulin is necessary. These findings are intended to drive improved training, updated clinical guidelines, and safer medication administration during future missions.