Effect of preoperative oral liquid carbohydrate intake on blood glucose, fasting-thirst, and fatigue levels: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the effects of preoperative oral intake of liquid carbohydrate on postoperative blood glucose, fasting-thirst, and fatigue levels in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 82 patients, who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery, and divided them into two groups: (1) those who consumed a carbohydrate-rich drink, and (2) those not consuming anything after midnight. Pre- and postoperative fasting-thirst (visual analog scale) and blood glucose levels were measured. Likewise, the Brief Fatigue Inventory was applied to patients 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The mean blood glucose levels in the first postoperative hour were 90.90 ± 13.56 mg.dL(-1) and 107.00 ± 15.84 mg.dL(-1) in the intervention group and control group, respectively (p < 0.001). The postoperative mean thirst scores were 4.70 ± 1.59 and 6.36 ± 2.07 in the intervention group and control group, respectively (p < 0.001). Their corresponding postoperative mean fasting scores were 5.54 ± 1.76 and 5.86 ± 1.79 (p > 0.05) and the mean fatigue levels in the 24(th) postoperative hour were 4.80 ± 2.13 and 5.48 ± 1.46, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral intake of liquid carbohydrate before spinal anesthesia was found to have positive effects on patients’ postoperative blood glucose and thirst levels.