In the immediate postoperative period for diabetics, which approach supports infection reduction?

• A. Avoid insulin
• B. Use aggressive hypoglycemia targets
• C. Maintain euglycemia; monitor and adjust insulin; avoid extreme fluctuations
• D. Rely on oral agents only

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that keeping blood glucose in a normal, stable range after surgery helps the body's immune defenses and wound healing work better, reducing infection risk. The body's stress response after surgery tends to raise glucose, so using insulin to tightly control levels—while carefully monitoring and adjusting to prevent big swings—supports infection prevention and recovery.

This approach is the best because it directly targets glucose management during a vulnerable period. Letting insulin be avoided would leave hyperglycemia unchecked, which impairs neutrophil function and increases infection risk. Setting aggressive hypoglycemia targets can cause dangerous drops in glucose, risking brain or heart injury. Relying only on oral agents isn’t appropriate in the immediate postoperative period, when patients may be NPO, have fluctuating kidney or liver function, and require rapid, adjustable control that's typically achieved with insulin.