Perioperative Care of Patients Using Wearable Diabetes Devices: Tools and Strategies for Safe Utilization

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the webinar hosted by the American Diabetes Association, medical professionals discussed managing perioperative care for patients using wearable diabetes devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, including automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Panelists included Dr. Errol Hirsch, Dr. Troy Wiles, and Dr. Janet McGill, who shared insights on preparing for surgeries involving patients dependent on these technologies. They addressed the safe continuation of devices like AID systems during procedures, citing considerations such as CGM accuracy affected by procedural energies (e.g., electrocautery) and patient positioning. The speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining basal insulin to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the need for a preoperative plan that includes evaluating procedure duration, potential steroid use, and having alternative insulin regimens ready. They also shared best practices for tailoring device settings to surgical conditions while highlighting the critical role of point-of-care blood glucose monitoring. The panelists recommended patient-specific considerations and pre-surgical consultations to optimize device management and glycemic control, advocating for further research into this rapidly evolving field.

Keywords

perioperative care

wearable diabetes devices

continuous glucose monitors

insulin pumps

automated insulin delivery

diabetic ketoacidosis

basal insulin

point-of-care monitoring

glycemic control