Perioperative treatment of the diabetic patient

The diabetic patient is frequently undergoing surgery for the underlying disease and its complications. Before referring the patient to surgery the diabetologist should carefully evaluate the presence of complications, cardiovascular, renal and neurologic disorders in particular. Generally no problems are posed by patients with NIDDM undergoing elective surgery. For more demanding patients and for those with IDDM the most effective and ready treatment is the continuous intravenous infusion of glucose, insulin and potassium. With this regimen, it is possible to perform major surgery in diabetics with a lower risk.