Postoperative recovery: how diabetes complicates care

Diabetic patients comprise a significant portion of the overall number of coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients. These patients are at greater risk to develop complications postoperatively because of associated changes in their cardiovascular system. Diabetic patients may respond differently to cardiac surgery if they have autonomic neuropathy, microvascular changes, and macrovascular disease. Nurses must be aware of the effect of diabetes on the cardiovascular system and how this can affect patient recovery.