*2.2.5 Preoperative fasting and carbohydrate loading*

Old school thought of prolonged fasting before major surgeries are being taken out of recommendations. Nowadays, light meals can be taken 6 hours prior to induction while clear liquids, specifically carbohydrate drinks (a 12-ounce clear beverage or a 24-g complex carbohydrate beverage), 2 hours prior to induction [34]. Evidence shows that it decreases dehydration and hypotension intraoperatively and also decreases insulin resistance, thus enhancing postoperative metabolism [35]. The grade of recommendation is strong.
