Basal-bolus insulin therapy in postoperative inpatients with diabetes mellitus: directions for future quality-improvement initiatives

Aim To determine variables associated with hyperglycemia and insulin therapy in postoperative inpatients with diabetes mellitus following a quality-improvement initiative. Materials & methods Patients with diabetes mellitus following an elective surgical procedure (n = 782; 877 surgical procedures) were selected. Results Age, hemoglobin A1c corticosteroids, insulin therapy and year of surgery were associated (p < 0.01) with hyperglycemia. Hemoglobin A1c, hyperglycemia, case mix index and corticosteroids were associated (p ≤ 0.03) with insulin therapy. Hyperglycemia and use of insulin varied by surgical specialty. Conclusion Data could be used to modify current treatment algorithms. Variations in hyperglycemia and insulin use by surgical specialty require further investigation.