Peri-operative care of the patient with diabetes mellitus.

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when a patient with diabetes has to have an operation. Care of the patient with diabetes is tailored to individual needs and this care needs to extend right through their time in hospital, including pre-operative, peri-operative and post-operative care. This paper examines the rationale for care of the diabetic patient in the operating department and will suggest a protocol for through theatre care.