Regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes

Diabetes is the most common metabolic condition worldwide and about 20% of surgical patients will have this condition. It is a major risk-factor for worse outcomes after surgery including mortality; infective and non-infective complications; and increased length of stay. However, diabetes is a modifiable risk-factor, and programs to improve medical management have the potential to reduce peri-operative complications and the risk of harm. Regional anaesthesia has well-documented benefits in promoting the restoration of function but there are legitimate concerns that the incidence of complications of regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes is higher. The aim of this review is to explore in detail the various potential advantages and disadvantages of regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes. This, in turn, will allow practitioners to undertake more informed shared decision-making and potentially modify their anaesthetic technique for patients with diabetes.

Automated summary

Diabetes is a common metabolic condition, affecting around 20% of surgical patients and posing a risk for worse surgical outcomes. Medical management programs can help reduce peri-operative complications. While regional anaesthesia has benefits for function restoration, there are concerns about higher complications in diabetic patients.