A clinical study of preoperative carbohydrate administration to improve insulin resistance in patients with multiple...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the tolerance and safety of carbohydrate administration to patients with multiple injuries prior to surgery, and to analyze the effects of carbohydrate intake on their immediate insulin resistance (IR), postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

A total of 125 patients with mild multiple injuries who were admitted to the Emergency Surgery Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University for elective surgery were randomized to administration of either placebo or carbohydrate. Finally, 82 patients (male: 39, female: 43) successfully completed the experiment and collected data. Preoperative general condition, subjective comfort, blood glucose concentration, serum insulin and insulin resistance index (IR) were studied.

The two groups of patients matched in gender, age, body mass index (BMI) (P>0.05). Patients in CHO group treated with carbohydrates three hours before surgery compared with patients treated with preoperative specification. The thirst, hunger and anxiety of the patients in the CHO group were significantly relieved (P<0.05). Blood glucose concentration, serum insulin, and IR were much lower in the CHO group (P<0.05).

It is a relatively safe approach that patients took carbohydrates 3 hours before surgery, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative aspiration. Taking carbohydrates before surgery can not only relieve preoperative discomfort, but also reduce postoperative insulin resistance, which is helpful to avoid postoperative metabolic disorder and speed up recovery.