Anesthesia for patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus has diverse effects on all organ systems of the body. Insulin physiology and metabolic control are far more complex than previously thought. Research continues to reveal more information about the central role of insulin in metabolism. The treatment of hypertension and nephropathy as well as hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes has emerged as being critical for prevention of long-term diabetic complications. The issue of primary importance to the anesthesiologist is whether strict glycemic and hemodynamic control during the perioperative period affect outcome.

Maintenance of euglycemia and physiologic control of insulin responses to changes in glucose levels have been shown to prolong life and reduce complications from diabetes mellitus. The identification and treatment of prediabetic patients may significantly delay the onset of overt diabetes. Perioperative control of glucose has become tighter, but the optimum level of glucose and ideal method of insulin delivery during surgery remain controversial. Perioperative control of blood pressure and vascular responses may be as important as glucose control for prevention of adverse perioperative events.

Tight long-term control of glucose and blood pressure improve outcome in patients with diabetes. The same philosophy of management is being applied to the perioperative period. Routine measurement of intraoperative blood glucose levels and appropriate insulin administration are now standard practice, but the ideal regimen for insulin administration remains to be determined.