Managing disruption of blood sugar levels after major surgeries
You are prone to severe and dangerously hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic conditions after major surgeries like stomach by-pass surgery, weight-loss surgeries and heart surgeries etc. Diabetics may also have to deal with problems like slower healing, infection and heart problems after surgery.
- Make sure you undergo a pre-operative analysis of your blood sugar levels to help you maintain the optimal levels after surgery and avoid any complications.
- Always ask your doctor about your ongoing medication and any required changes in the dosage before and after the surgery.
- In case you are taking Metformin, ask your doctor if you should continue or withdraw it due to its known risk of lactic acidosis after surgery.
- Ask your doctor to try maintaining optimal blood sugar levels during surgery ranging between 80-150mg/Dl.
- Make sure that you or your hospital care-taker constantly monitors your blood-sugar levels after surgery as you may be facing trouble eating, vomiting etc. after surgery.
- Prepare yourself for a slower healing and longer hospital stay, if you are diabetic.
- Watch for any signs of infections or ulcers on your body.
- Keep changing positions and turn in your bed while resting to avoid bedsores.
- Call your doctor, in case you feel unease and changes in your blood sugar levels or in case you have any doubts related to your post-operative drug dosage.