glucose + insulin + potassium

Glucose-Insulin-Potassium (GIK) therapy is a metabolic intervention being investigated by NYU Langone Health in the MAGIK trial. It consists of a combination of glucose, insulin, and potassium administered intravenously to patients with severe lower extremity fractures, specifically femoral and tibial shaft fractures. The therapy aims to mitigate the metabolic consequences of muscle trauma, such as ATP depletion and rhabdomyolysis, thereby reducing skeletal muscle injury and the subsequent risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Historically used in cardiac care to provide myocardial protection, this repurposed application focuses on stabilizing muscle cell membranes and maintaining cellular energy levels during the acute phase of orthopedic trauma. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells to provide energy for ATP production and shifts potassium intracellularly to stabilize cell membranes, while the exogenous glucose prevents hypoglycemia and the potassium prevents hypokalemia.

Other names

GIK therapyGIK solutionGlucose-Insulin-Potassium therapyGIK cocktail