Which statement about transitioning from IV insulin to subcutaneous insulin is correct?

Which statement about transitioning from IV insulin to subcutaneous insulin is correct?

• A. Continue IV insulin for 24 hours after surgery
• B. Transition to subcutaneous insulin only after 48 hours
• C. If the patient can take oral intake, shift to subcutaneous insulin 1-2 hours post op
• D. Do not switch to subcutaneous insulin postoperatively

Answer: (C)

Transitioning from IV to subcutaneous insulin should happen when the patient can resume eating, with a brief overlap to maintain continuous insulin coverage. If the patient can take oral intake, shifting to a subcutaneous regimen 1–2 hours after this point provides meal coverage with rapid-acting insulin while the IV infusion is tapered off. This overlap prevents a gap in insulin delivery and supports both basal needs and post-meal glucose control. Delaying the switch to 48 hours or insisting on staying on IV insulin postoperatively risks unnecessary continued IV therapy and poor matching of insulin delivery to meals or recovery, while not switching at all misses the opportunity for standard glucose management as the patient resumes eating.