Preoperative carbohydrate loading in diabetic patients within an enhanced recovery after surgery programme for colorectal surgery – Are there any ill effects?

Objectives: Carbohydrate loading is one of the preoperative components of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for colorectal surgery. Its purpose is to modulate stress response to surgery and decrease postoperative insulin resistance. However, the effects of hyperglycemia and delayed gastric emptying in diabetic patients have been raised. Consensus on its application in diabetic patients has yet to be reached. We report our experience on the use of preoperative carbohydrate loading in diabetic patients within an ERAS program for elective colorectal surgery.