Impact of Preoperative Glycemic Control on Post-Surgical Complications in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Observational Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i12.2706Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Preoperative Glycemic Control, HbA1c, Postoperative Complications, Surgical Site Infection, Length of Hospital Stay, Prospective Observational Study.Abstract
This prospective observational study was conducted to assess the impact of preoperative glycemic control on postoperative complications in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing elective surgery. A total of 220 adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled using consecutive sampling at a tertiary care hospital. Preoperative glycemic control was assessed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels measured within three months prior to surgery, and participants were categorized into three groups: ≤7.0%, 7.1–8.5%, and >8.5%. Data were collected across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, with postoperative complications monitored for 30 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression. The results demonstrated a significant association between elevated HbA1c levels and increased postoperative complications (p = 0.001), with complication rates rising progressively across HbA1c categories. Patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) exhibited higher rates of surgical site infection, delayed wound healing, and prolonged hospital stay compared with those with good glycemic control. Multivariable analysis confirmed preoperative HbA1c as an independent predictor of postoperative complications after adjusting for age, comorbidities, duration of diabetes, and type of surgery. The study concludes that poor preoperative glycemic control is a significant and independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of routine HbA1c assessment and preoperative glycemic optimization in surgical patients with diabetes mellitus.
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