Diabetes mellitus: anaesthetic management*

As the incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to increase in the United Kingdom, more diabetic patients will present for both elective and emergency surgery. Whilst the underlying pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes differs, there is much good evidence that controlling the blood glucose to > 10 mmol.l⁻¹ in the peri‐operative period for both types of diabetic patients improves outcome. This should be achieved with a glucose–insulin–potassium regimen in all type 1 diabetics and in type 2 diabetics undergoing moderate or major surgical procedures. After surgery, a decrease in the catabolic hormone response resulting from good analgesia and the avoidance of nausea and vomiting should allow early re‐establishment of normal glycaemic control.