Miriam Kozárová, Mária Rašiová, Pavol Pobeha
People with diabetes are more likely to require admission to hospital (for conditions other than diabetes treatment adjustment) and are more likely to undergo surgery or other procedures that may potentially disrupt their glycaemic control. The metabolic impact of surgery, fasting, disruptions to usual therapy contribute to poor metabolic control, which in turn is a significant factor contributing to increased mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay in patients with diabetes undergoing surgery. Minimising of such disruptions has potential to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Prevention of hyperglycaemia and also hypoglycaemia reduces risk of adverse outcomes post-operatively. The target glucose range postoperatively should generally be 6-10 mmol/l. Elective surgery should be postponed if possible if glycaemic control is poor. Surgery for patients with diabetes should ideally be performed in the morning, as this is least disruptive to their usual diabetes management routine. The article reviews also specific situations in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus on various treatment regimens including presurgical screening of diabetic complications and comorbidities.