What is the recommended serum glucose level for diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

The recommended serum glucose level for diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery is less than 180 mg/dL. This target is established to minimize the risk of complications related to hyperglycemia, which can adversely affect surgical outcomes. Elevated glucose levels can lead to increased infection rates, poor wound healing, and cardiovascular events post-surgery.

Maintaining glucose levels below this threshold helps in achieving better glycemic control, which is vital in the perioperative setting. The rationale for setting the target at 180 mg/dL rather than higher levels is based on various studies demonstrating that tighter control can improve patient outcomes, particularly in those undergoing major surgical procedures such as cardiac surgery.

Setting the target higher than 180 mg/dL might not adequately protect patients against the risks associated with hyperglycemia, while lower targets, such as 150 or even 200 mg/dL, may not provide sufficient margin to address individual patient variability in response to stress and surgery. Therefore, the focus on a goal of less than 180 mg/dL is seen as a balanced approach to managing glucose levels during the perioperative period.