Insulin therapy in cardiac surgery.

Aside from its actions on glycaemic control, insulin has been demonstrated to have a wide range of effects on the cardiovascular system. During the peri-operative period, the stress response to surgery leads to hyperglycaemia. There is continuing debate with regard to the level of glycaemic control and the potential benefits of insulin therapy in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This review article sets out to discuss the evidence for glycaemic control, as well as the potential benefits of insulin therapy in the form of glucose-insulin-potassium therapy in cardiac surgery.