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Helpful Hints For Your Hospital Stay
posted 04/23/04
By Lisa M. Rasolt, Program Director, Defeat Diabetes Foundation

April 2004

Having surgery can be a traumatic experience for anyone. For a diabetic, the consequences can be more serious. If you take certain steps ahead of time and know what to expect during and after surgery you will be better prepared to handle your situation.

I am a Type 2 diabetic who is well controlled on oral medication. I see my diabetes specialist doctor 4 times a year for blood tests and check ups. I see an ophthalmologist once a year to have my eyes examined. I have a very strong family history of diabetes on my mother’s side including her parents, all her siblings, and both my siblings (one insulin dependent).

I recently had major, scheduled surgery and would like to share what I learned prior to and during my hospital stay. These hints are designed for diabetics and are in addition to general information. At no time should my advice supercede your doctor’s instructions.

Prior to Surgery

·         Besides seeing your surgeon, make sure you see your diabetes specialist doctor. Inform him/her of the nature of the procedure. He/she may change your medications or dosage or the scheduling of your medications.

·         During “pre-op” (the area you go just prior to surgery) bring a list of ALL your medications, including the dosage. If you are like many diabetics, you may be on numerous medications. Don’t rely on your memory.

·         Tell “pre-op” you are diabetic. This may seem obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to say it often.

·         Arrange for an advocate who can legally act on your behalf and who is familiar with your diabetes circumstances.

Day of Surgery

·         Take only the medications instructed to take that day.

·         Remind nurses and doctors of your allergies and your diabetic condition.

·         Give the name and telephone number of your advocate.

Post Surgery

When you first go up to your room you are usually pretty “foggy”, but you need to be clear headed enough to ask certain questions, especially if your advocate isn’t there:

·         Before any medication or IV solution is given to you, ask what it is and if different from your usual medication, it’s purpose. You have a RIGHT to know.

·         What are you serving me? Even if it is a clear liquid diet the hospital may make a mistake and send up all-sugary liquids (Jell-O, flavored ices, juice drinks, etc.). In my case, though heavily medicated, I was aware enough to say that I was a diabetic and the tray full of sugary liquids was switched.

·         This hint may be controversial. A Registered Dietitian from the hospital usually visits you when you are ready to eat solid food. Their diabetic diet is usually very high in carbohydrates. This may be different from your prescribed diet. I think, in certain circumstances, it’s okay for someone to “sneak” in healthy food instead of the hospital food.

·         Make sure hospital staff is checking you blood sugar many times during the day and night. Your body has undergone much trauma and may be reacting differently from normal.

·         If you are normally on no medication or on oral medication for diabetes and your blood sugar spikes after surgery you may need to get insulin shots. This is usually just a temporary phase because your body has been through much trauma. I was not told this might happen, but I was not frightened, but prepared because it had happened with my mother.

·         Besides your surgeon, an endocrinologist should be visiting you or at least checking on you every day you are in the hospital. He/she needs to review your medications and the dosages and they may be different from what you take at home.

If you are aware of each step in the process of a hospital stay, some of your fears may be abated. Share these hints with your loved ones so they may be able to ask some of the questions if you are not. Remember that while doctors, nurses and staff want you to heal and have as pleasant experience as possible, as a patient you do have rights.

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