Perioperative Care of Patients with Diabetes

Proper care of patients with diabetes during the perioperative period is crucial for preventing acute complications such as hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Many factors influence the optimal care plan, including the usual home diabetes regimen, the level of diabetes control before surgery, the surgery type, the duration of surgery, and the amount of time the patient will be fasting. An optimal plan of care is based on a thorough presurgical assessment and prescribing a regimen that will minimize acute complications. This article discusses recommendations for target blood glucose and diabetes medication adjustment during the perioperative period.