Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Drink for Elective Cesarean Delivery and the Effect on Insulin Sensitivity

Preoperative fasting and surgery can cause metabolic stress and insulin resistance. Oral carbohydrate loading has been shown to attenuate the development of insulin resistance in the non-pregnant population undergoing many different types of surgery. Pregnant women have an increase in insulin resistance and therefore may further benefit from a preoperative carbohydrate load prior to cesarean delivery. Although woman in the UK receive a carbohydrate drink prior to elective cesarean delivery, the metabolic effects of these drinks on the mother and neonate have not been evaluated.