Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery

This study evaluates the effect of preoperative carbohydrate loading on early postoperative recovery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Traditionally, patients fast before surgery, which can increase insulin resistance, delay recovery, and worsen postoperative outcomes. Preoperative carbohydrate drinks may reduce surgical stress and improve recovery, but concerns exist regarding blood glucose control and gastric emptying in diabetic patients. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 120 eligible patients will be assigned to three groups: nondiabetic control, nondiabetic with carbohydrate load, and diabetic with carbohydrate load. Patients will receive either a carbohydrate-rich drink or control solution before surgery. Preoperative gastric residual volume will be measured using ultrasound to assess aspiration risk. Blood glucose levels will be measured before and after carbohydrate intake. Postoperative outcomes including metabolic and inflammatory response, nausea and vomiting, length of hospital stay, and time to independent ambulation will be recorded. The study aims to determine whether preoperative carbohydrate loading is safe and beneficial for diabetic patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

NCT Number	NCT07451015
Lead Sponsor	Tanta University
Conditions	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Elective Abdominal Surgery, Gastric Emptying, Postoperative Recovery
Enrollment	120 participants
Start Date	2024-06-01
Primary Completion	2025-06-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-12-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-09