Which statement best describes postoperative glycemic control in non-diabetic and diabetic patients?

• A. Avoid insulin therapy altogether
• B. Keep glucose as low as possible to avoid hyperglycemia
• C. Maintain euglycemia to reduce infection; monitor and adjust insulin therapy; avoid extreme fluctuations
• D. Do not monitor glucose levels postoperatively

Answer: (C)

Postoperative glucose management centers on keeping blood sugar in the normal range and avoiding big swings, because stable euglycemia supports immune function and wound healing while reducing infection risk for both non-diabetic and diabetic patients. After surgery, stress hormones often raise glucose, so glucose should be checked regularly and insulin therapy adjusted as needed to stay within target ranges and prevent fluctuations. Pushing glucose very low can cause dangerous hypoglycemia, while letting it run high promotes infections and poor healing, so insulin is used when needed and monitoring guides those decisions. Skipping glucose monitoring or refusing insulin when hyperglycemia occurs would miss the needed adjustments to protect recovery.