Glycemic Control and Surgery—Optimizing Outcomes for the Patient With Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions globally, and its incidence continues to rise. Considering the increasing number of patients diagnosed with diabetes and the associated complications, such as cardiovascular and renal disease, the complexity of care for this population can be very challenging. In addition, specific postoperative complications, such as delayed wound healing, infections, and cardiac dysrhythmias, are more likely to occur in the presence of perioperative hyperglycemia. Recognition of the presence of diabetes and implementation of a diabetic management protocol will optimize patient outcomes by providing guidelines for avoiding such complications. Although comparative studies of the current published protocols are limited, there is agreement that health care facilities must have a protocol in place that considers the individual's health history, planned surgery, and glycemic control to guide management of diabetes.