Effect of General Anesthesia Versus Spinal Anesthesia on Blood Glucose Concentration in Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section

Huda Emsaad AL-Harire

doi:10.33214/xjnvkr50

Authors

Huda Emsaad AL-Harire Derna University, Anesthesia Department, Faculty of Medicine, Derna, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/xjnvkr50

Keywords:

General anesthesia, Spinal anesthesia, Blood glucose, Cesarean section, Stress response

Abstract

Surgical procedures induce a physiological stress response, leading to increased secretion of catabolic hormones and a rise in blood glucose concentration. The type of anesthesia used may influence this response, impacting perioperative glucose regulation. This study aims to compare the effects of general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) on blood glucose levels in non-diabetic patients undergoing elective cesarean section. A prospective comparative study was conducted at Al Wahda Hospital, Derna, including 40 non-diabetic women scheduled for elective cesarean section. Patients were divided into two groups: GA (n=20) and SA (n=20). Blood glucose concentrations were measured at four time points: before induction (T1), after induction (T2), before the end of surgery (T3), and 30 minutes postoperatively (T4). Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA. Blood glucose levels increased significantly in both groups during surgery. However, the rise was more pronounced in the GA group compared to the SA group (p < 0.05). The difference became more evident at T3 and T4, where GA patients exhibited a significantly higher glucose concentration than those in the SA group. General anesthesia is associated with a greater increase in blood glucose concentration compared to spinal anesthesia in non-diabetic patients undergoing elective cesarean section. This suggests that spinal anesthesia may be a preferable option for better perioperative glucose control, potentially reducing the risk of complications related to hyperglycemia. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these findings.

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