Diabetes boosts risk of cognitive issues after surgery, especially in seniors, study finds

After adjusting for age, sex, surgery type, randomization, obesity and hypertension, the researchers determined diabetes was associated with an 84 percent higher risk of POCD. Patients age 65 or older were at particularly high risk.

"Our findings suggest that consideration of diabetes status may be helpful for the assessment of POCD risk among patients undergoing surgery," said Dr. Lachmann. "Further studies are warranted to examine the potential mechanisms of this association, to ultimately help in the development of potential strategies for prevention."