Troy Wildes, MD, vice chair of perioperative medicine, quality and safety, collaborated with national endocrinology leaders to present an educational webinar for the American Diabetes Association Institute of Learning on October 15.
The session covered best practices for managing the perioperative care of patients who use wearable diabetes devices, including continuous glucose monitors, standalone insulin pumps and automated insulin-delivery systems.
The webinar highlighted guidance from a recent publication in Anesthesia and Analgesia, titled “Perioperative Care of Patients Using Wearable Diabetes Devices,” authored by Dr. Wildes, Kyle Ringenberg, MD, and endocrinology collaborators.
Published online in June 2024, this narrative review underscores the rapid adoption of wearable diabetes technology, especially automated insulin-delivery systems, among surgical patients. It also details practical strategies for maintaining device functionality and patient safety throughout perioperative care.
Dr. Wildes said the primary aim of the session was to educate endocrinologists on effectively preparing patients using these devices for surgical procedures, including when devices can be safely continued through procedures.
“These efforts reflect an important step toward safer, technology-integrated surgical care for patients with diabetes,” he said.