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Diabetes and Your Surgery: What to Expect

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We understand that having diabetes requires extra care, and we're committed to ensuring your surgery is as safe and comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect regarding your diabetes management.

1. Keeping Your Blood Sugar Safe During Surgery

  • How We Manage Your Blood Sugar: Your safety is our top priority. We’re dedicated to keeping your blood sugar levels within a safe range throughout your surgery. Our team will closely monitor your blood glucose levels and adjust your medications (like insulin or oral medications) as needed. If your blood sugar is too high or too low, we’re ready to take immediate steps to bring it back to a healthy level.

2. Special Considerations for You

  • What to Expect: Because you have diabetes, we’ll pay close attention to your healing process. It may take a little longer for your wound to heal, so we’ll carefully check it for any signs of infection or delayed healing.
  • After Surgery: Your blood sugar levels can change after surgery due to stress, changes in your diet, or the effects of anaesthesia. We’re here to monitor and manage your blood sugar closely during your recovery. We’ll also watch for any potential diabetes-related issues, like nerve problems, and provide support if needed.

3. Your Medications: What to Do on Surgery Day

  • Important Instructions: It’s very important to follow your anaesthesiologist’s and surgeon’s instructions about your diabetes medications on the day of your operation. Usually, we’re advise you to take a reduced dose or skip your usual medications until after the procedure. This is because you’re fasting before surgery, and taking your usual dose without food could cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Please clarify these instructions during your pre-surgery consultation so you know exactly what to do.

4. Bringing Your Medications

  • Please Bring Them! We recommend bringing your diabetes medications, including insulin, to the hospital or surgery suite. While we’re managing your blood sugar during the procedure, having your usual medications on hand is helpful for your post-surgery care. It also ensures we have them available if there are any delays or changes in your schedule.