Peri-operative management of diabetes mellitus: a multidisciplinary consensus statement from the Association of Anaesthetists and the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care group.

INTRODUCTION

Surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with those who do not have diabetes mellitus. This is likely multifactorial and could be attributed to organisational issues; dysglycaemia; hospital-acquired diabetic ketoacidosis; errors with insulin prescribing and administration; issues with fluids and electrolytes; and systemic and surgical site infections. There was a need to update guidance for the peri-operative management of diabetes mellitus given improvements in our understanding, introduction of novel drugs and development of wearable technologies.

METHODS

This was a multidisciplinary consensus statement with a diverse authorship group, including diabetologists; anaesthetists; surgeons; pharmacists; surgical diabetes inpatient specialist nurses; and patients with lived experience. We undertook a directed literature search and a three-round Delphi process to develop, refine and agree recommendations.

RESULTS

Following three rounds, 38 recommendations were included, spanning all phases of the peri-operative pathway. Recommendations were made for organisations and general principles for the management of patients with diabetes, aiming to improve pathways, implement protocols and support training. We prioritise individualised care plans, encourage clinical judgement regarding proceeding with surgery with out-of-range HbA1c concentrations and recommend ensuring appropriate insulin regimens are prescribed and administered. We also provide guidance for capillary blood glucose and ketone monitoring and management; safe handovers of care; and multidisciplinary care plans for the peri-operative use of wearables.

DISCUSSION: This consensus statement provides principles to be applied throughout the entire peri-operative pathway by healthcare professionals, institutions and patients. It is hoped that the implementation of these key recommendations will improve experience and outcomes for patients with diabetes mellitus having surgery.