Diabetes and surgery
Diabetes affects wound healing, infection risk and recovery. These are key points from Dr. Elalfy's guides, with the guides to read next.
Key points from the guides
Before planned surgery, the aim is a long-term sugar measure (HbA1c) below about 8 to 8.5 percent where possible. Improving control should not delay urgent or cancer surgery.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar SafeRestart each medicine exactly as written in your plan.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar SafeLow blood sugar (below about 70 mg/dL or 4 mmol/L) is most likely if you take insulin or sulfonylureas and are fasting. The signs are shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion, or unusual behaviour.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar SafePlanned surgery is best scheduled outside Ramadan for people with diabetes, where possible.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar Safe
Guides to read next
- Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar Safe
- Weight-Loss Injections (GLP-1) and Surgery
- Preparing for Surgery: Fasting, Medicines and the Days Before
- Steroids and Surgery: Your Steroid Cover Plan
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: Your Part in Healing Faster
Go to the emergency room immediately, then call your surgeon, if you have severe pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, fever, or any warning sign in your guide.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. Your own team's instructions always come first.