Perioperative intensive insulin therapy using an artificial endocrine pancreas with closed-loop glycemic control system: the effects of no hypoglycemia

Background: We examined whether perioperative intensive insulin therapy (IIT) using an artificial pancreas (AP) with a closed-loop glycemic control system can be used to prevent hypoglycemia in surgical patients.

Methods: Between 2006 and 2012, perioperative glycemic control using an AP was performed in 427 patients undergoing general surgery. A total of 305 patients undergoing IIT using an AP in the target blood glucose range of 80 to 110 mg/dL were enrolled in the study. Data were collected prospectively and were reviewed or analyzed retrospectively.

Results: No patients had hypoglycemia. Perioperative mean blood glucose level and achievement rates in target blood glucose range of 80 to 110 mg/dL were 100.5 ± 11.9 mg/dL and 88.1% ± 16.0%, respectively. For the 3 primary operative methods, including hepatic, pancreatic, and esophageal resections, there were no significant differences in glycemic control stability between the types of surgery.

Conclusion: Perioperative IIT using an AP with a closed-loop glycemic control system can be used to prevent hypoglycemia and maintain stable glycemic control with less variability of blood glucose concentration.