Final answer:
Perioperative hyperglycemia is linked to an increased risk of infections, delayed wound healing, the promotion of atherosclerosis, and potential renal dysfunctions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Perioperative hyperglycemia, characterized by blood glucose levels exceeding 180 to 200 mg/100 ml, is often associated with several complications. This condition can lead to an increased risk of infections, as high glucose concentrations in the blood create a fertile environment for microorganism growth. This can subsequently result in a delay in wound healing and negatively affect post-surgical recovery. Moreover, hyperglycemia can cause glycosylation of proteins within blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis due to narrowing blood vessels, increased blood pressure, and potential for cholesterol buildup and blood clots. Additionally, hyperglycemia may affect the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal dysfunction or renal failure where there is neither filtration nor excretion of glucose.