The emergency management of diabetes mellitus

Some of the acute metabolic derangements of unstable diabetes have been discussed. The management of patients undergoing surgical operations has also been considered. No problems are usually encountered in diabetic patients treated with diet alone or with oral hypoglycaemic compounds, although chlorpropamide may need to be stopped sometime before operation. Patients receiving insulin therapy should be stabilised pre-operatively on a regimen which will allow more flexible management during operation and in the postoperative period; this can be readily performed by placing the patient on soluble insulin and giving spaced dosages. Other routines may be used for minor procedures. Adequate supplies of carbohydrate should be given in the form of intravenous dextrose and under no circumstances should oral glucose be given in the 6 hours before operation.