Blood glucose changes in general and spinal anesthesia

Abstract Background: Medical literature describes how several metabolic and hormonal changes occur while undergoing different kinds of Anesthesia. This study aims to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on blood glucose. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 254 patients from Al-Zahrawi Hospital. The patients were divided into three groups: patients with diabetes - patients without diabetes - patients with gestational diabetes. Blood glucose levels were measured before surgery and in the first and second hours after surgery, for patients undergoing both general and spinal anesthesia. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose levels before and after surgery in patients with diabetes undergoing the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose levels before and after surgery in non-diabetic patients, undergoing the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose before and after surgery in patients with gestational diabetes, according to the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: There are no clear differences between general and spinal anesthesia in affecting the levels of blood glucose. It is reasonable to suggest that blood glucose levels should be monitored during surgery in patients undergoing general or spinal anesthesia and during the 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours.