Heart surgery linked to high blood sugar
Almost half of heart surgery patients may require temporary post-operative insulin treatment even if they do not suffer from diabetes, according to a new study.
Research from the University of Michigan Health System showed that patients who have undergone heart surgery may experience blood sugar levels high enough to require medication, with older and obese patients most at risk.
The findings, at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, revealed that out of 1,362 heart and vascular surgery patients, 662 developed "stress induced hyperglycemia" and 87 required blood sugar medicines post hospitalization.
It is a known danger that high blood sugar levels during heart and vascular surgery can hinder recovery and result in a higher risk of infection and death.
In response, many patients are administered doses of insulin in the operating room during surgery.
"But high blood sugar in non-diabetic patients after surgery hasn't been fully studied," said researcher Dr Sima Saberi.
"Stress-induced hyperglycemia occurs when the body reacts to the double insults of having an operation on the heart or major blood vessels, and of being cooled down by the heart-bypass machine to protect the heart muscle during surgery."
Health Headlines
upcoming Events
U.S. Events
congresses
fellowships
-
Fellowship in Integrative Cancer Therapy
Module I
Boca Raton, FL | Nov. 5-6, 2009 -
Fellowship in Integrative Cancer Therapy
Module II
Boca Raton, FL | Nov. 7-8, 2009 -
Aesthetic Medicine Modules IV & V
Columbus, OH | Nov. 14-17, 2009 -
Aesthetic Medicine Module I
Las Vegas, NV | Dec. 9-10, 2009 -
Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine Modules I, II, III & IX
Las Vegas, NV | Dec. 10-12, 2009 -
Preventative Medicine, Nutrition & Sports Medicine Module I
Las Vegas, NV | Dec. 9-11, 2009 -
Fellowship in Preventative Medicine, Nutrition & Sports Medicine Module III
Las Vegas, NV | Dec. 11-12, 2009
symposium
-
Advanced Hormone Symposium
Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010
VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormone
Replacement
Dr. Sangeeta Pati, one of the world’s foremost educators and practicing physicians in the field of HRT shared “The Nuts and Bolts of Hormone Restoration” via webinar. View the Webinar.
International Events
- Dubai | Nov. 8-9, 2009
- Shanghai | Nov. 10-12, 2009
- Bangkok | Nov. 12-14, 2009
- Mexico City | Jan. 15-17, 2010
- Milan | Mar. 18-20, 2010
- Sao Paulo | Nov. 12-14, 2010






