A comparison of fingertip blood glucose levels between the fluid-infused arm and the non-infused arm in postoperative patients with diabetes in Korea: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of intravenous maintenance fluid infusion on blood glucose levels by comparing fingertip glucose measurements between the infused and non-infused arms of patients with diabetes in a recovery room after surgeries under general anesthesia.Methods: We initially included 151 patients with diabetes who were admitted to the recovery room of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between June 4 and October 25, 2024. Sixteen patients were excluded because they received fluids that were hypothesized to potentially affect blood glucose levels during surgery, and seven were excluded due to notable blood glucose measurement errors, leaving 128 patients in the final analysis. The primary maintenance fluid was administered through one arm, whereas the other arm remained non-infused. Blood glucose levels were measured twice in both arms, using the same glucometer, and the average values were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and the paired Student’s t-test was conducted to assess differences in fingertip glucose levels between the two arms.Results: Fingertip glucose levels exhibited a statistically significant difference between the infused and non-infused arms (t = -3.65, p < .001). The mean glucose level in the infused arms was 143.82 ± 36.44 mg/dL, which was lower than that in the non-infused ones (146.17 ± 37.46 mg/dL).Conclusion: Intravenous fluid infusion may affect peripheral blood glucose levels. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate sites for blood glucose monitoring in clinical settings, and provides evidence supporting accurate blood glucose monitoring and management in patients with diabetes.