Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, has been associated with increased postoperative complications.  Research has shown that the risk of infection is significantly higher for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) if blood glucose levels are elevated.  Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the incidence of deep wound infections in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery was reduced by controlling mean blood glucose levels below 200mg/dL in the immediate postoperative period.

Appropriate management of hyperglycemia minimizes adverse outcomes for cardiac surgical patients.  Cardiac surgery patients' 6 A.M. blood glucose levels on their first 2 postoperative days are utilized for this measure.

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