Background <p>Diabetes is a relatively common diagnosis affecting approximately 18.2% of the population in Saudi Arabia. Previous research has shown that it is associated with a higher risk of postoperative urine tract infection, anastomotic leak and wound complications. It has been suggested this could be due to the proinflammatory effects of diabetes or due to the complications of diabetes itself.</p> Objectives <p>We sought to understand the risks associated with diabetes for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.</p> Design <p>Retrospective cohort study.</p> Setting <p>Tertiary university Hospital.</p> Patients and Methods <p>All patients over 18&#xa0;years of age who underwent emergency colorectal surgery between 2013 and 2020.</p> <p>Main outcome measures: Morbidity and Mortality at 30&#xa0;days postoperatively.</p> Sample Size <p>240 patients.</p> Results <p>Diabetic patients were found to have a greater risk of urine tract infection, myocardial infarction and stroke. They also were more likely to require a postoperative transfusion, have a prolonged postoperative length of stay both in the ward and the intensive care unit. They were also more likely to revisit the operating room in the first year postoperatively. They were not found to have a higher chance of death in the first 30&#xa0;days postoperatively.</p> Conclusion <p>Diabetic patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery are at a significant risk of postoperative morbidity.</p> Limitations <p>Limitation of the availability of follow up and data due to the retrospective nature of the study.</p>