Diabetes has been associated with adverse surgical outcomes, but its impact in patients undergoing meningioma resection is not completely understood. This retrospective study published in the World Journal of Diabetes included 516 adults with primary meningioma who underwent surgical resection between January 2018 and January 2022. 

Patients were categorized based on a clinical history of type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months prior to diagnosis (diabetes, n=105; non-diabetes, n=411). Baseline demographics, perioperative variables, glycemic indices, inflammatory markers, cerebral edema grading, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), length of stay, and postoperative complications were assessed.

Patients with diabetes had higher glycated hemoglobin levels (P<0.05) and exhibited increased postoperative inflammatory markers, including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and platelet count, along with lower postoperative albumin (all P<0.05). The diabetes group demonstrated higher rates of postoperative cerebral edema (P = 0.015), wound infection (P<0.001), seizures (P=0.003), longer hospital and ICU stays (both P<0.001), and lower postoperative KPS scores (P=0.011). Higher recurrence (P=0.004) and mortality (P=0.036) were reported in long-term outcomes. Cox regression identified diabetes as independently associated with recurrence (adjusted HR 8.92; P=0.009) and mortality (adjusted HR 10.12; P=0.048).

Diabetes was associated with prolonged hospitalization and higher rates of postoperative complications, recurrence, and mortality after meningioma resection. These findings highlight the need for careful perioperative management and long-term follow-up.