Perioperative care of the adult diabetic patient

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in the UK, presenting greater complexity in its management when in the presence of other comorbidities. In the care of the adult perioperative patient with diabetes mellitus not only can symptoms can be difficult to attribute to one specific cause but also the onset of complications can be rapid. This article discusses the aetiology and key concerns during the perioperative pathway of care for successful management of the adult diabetic patient.