Fewer cancellations, better care: Supporting patients with diabetes through surgery

BACKGROUND: Every year 15% of all operative procedures take place in people with diabetes. Suboptimal glycaemic control is associated with increased postoperative complications. This study aimed to identify why people with diabetes have their operations cancelled and introduce interventions to reduce the rate of cancellation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult people with diabetes with cancelled surgery in 2024 was completed in an inner-city teaching hospital. A new perioperative guideline for elective surgery in people with diabetes was implemented and cancellations were re-audited in June 2025. RESULTS: Postintervention 7% of cancellations were due to suboptimal diabetes control, with none occurring within 2 weeks of surgery (previously 10% and 63%). Prior to intervention, only 32% of patients proceeded to surgery within 1 year of initial cancellation. CONCLUSION: People with diabetes experience significant delays to surgery; however, targeted perioperative guidelines enable early identification of suboptimal glycaemic control and reduced cancellations. This work highlights the importance of locally tailored perioperative pathways.