Intraoperative and Postoperative Glucose Control in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Cardiac Anesthesia

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been rising throughout the world for the past 20-30 yr. Diabetes is associated with increased requirement for surgical procedures especially coronary artery bypass surgery and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. The stress of surgery itself results in metabolic perturbations that alter glucose homeostasis and persistent hyperglycemia is a risk factor for impaired wound healing, cerebral ischemia, postoperative infections and diabetic crisis. The management goal is to optimize metabolic control through close monitoring and judicious use of insulin during and after cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.