Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidities in people with diabetes mellitus and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and premature mortality. The coexistence of diabetes and hypertension markedly increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Hyperlipidaemia is a common metabolic disorder in people with diabetes mellitus and is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is typically characterized by elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and an increased proportion of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which is highly atherogenic.

Patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing surgery are at increased risk of perioperative complications, including hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, wound infection, delayed wound healing, electrolyte disturbances, and cardiovascular events. Surgical stress induces the release of counter-regulatory hormones such as cortisol, catecholamines, glucagon, and growth hormone, resulting in increased insulin resistance and hepatic glucose production.

Clinical monitoring is a fundamental component of diabetes care and is essential for evaluating glycaemic control, assessing treatment effectiveness, detecting complications at an early stage, and reducing long-term morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is a lifelong disease that requires regular follow-up to monitor metabolic control and identify complications involving the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes, peripheral nerves, and feet.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is the regular measurement of blood glucose levels by patients using a portable glucometer. It is an important component of diabetes management that enables patients and healthcare providers to evaluate glycaemic control, assess the effectiveness of treatment, detect hypo- and hyperglycaemia early, and make informed decisions regarding medication, diet, and physical activity.