Patients undergoing elective surgery typically fast for 8-12 hours before surgery. However, oral preoperative carbohydrate ingestion may increase postoperative insulin sensitivity and reduce complications. To determine the effects of carbohydrate supplementation prior to CABG or spinal surgery, 38 patients were randomized to receive a carbohydrate supplement or to fast for 12 hours preoperatively. Baseline and postoperative measurements of insulin sensitivity were completed using the short insulin tolerance test and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Patient discomfort was measured immediately before surgery. Insulin sensitivity was not significantly different between groups. However, the supplemented group experienced a significantly smaller rise in glucose levels following surgery (p=0.03) and had higher postoperative HOMA-β scores (p=0.02). Fasted patients were significantly more thirsty (p=0.01), hungry (p=0.04) and anxious (p=0.01) before surgery and experienced a significantly longer hospital stay (p=0.008). Carbohydrate supplementation improved outcomes, warranting re-evaluation of fasting practices prior to major surgery.

Patients undergoing elective surgery typically fast for 8-12 hours before surgery. However, oral preoperative carbohydrate ingestion may increase postoperative insulin sensitivity and reduce complications. To determine the effects of carbohydrate supplementation prior to CABG or spinal surgery, 38 patients were randomized to receive a carbohydrate supplement or to fast for 12 hours preoperatively. Baseline and postoperative measurements of insulin sensitivity were completed using the short insulin tolerance test and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Patient discomfort was measured immediately before surgery. Insulin sensitivity was not significantly different between groups. However, the supplemented group experienced a significantly smaller rise in glucose levels following surgery (p=0.03) and had higher postoperative HOMA-β scores (p=0.02). Fasted patients were significantly more thirsty (p=0.01), hungry (p=0.04) and anxious (p=0.01) before surgery and experienced a significantly longer hospital stay (p=0.008). Carbohydrate supplementation improved outcomes, warranting re-evaluation of fasting practices prior to major surgery.