High Blood Sugar

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To get ready for your upcoming surgery, a blood test called “HbA1c” will be done to check for high blood sugar (diabetes). This is a routine pre-surgical blood test. People with poorly controlled blood sugars are more likely to have complications related to inflammation and poor wound healing. You may be contacted by the pre-assessment clinic if the blood test shows your blood sugar is above normal and may be poorly controlled.

 

If you know you are a diabetic already, please follow up with the doctor treating your diabetes (endocrinologist, family or clinic doctor) as soon as possible. You may also be seen by a specialist from your pre-surgical team.

 

If a high HbA1c is new to you, you may be pre-diabetic and you should contact your family or clinic doctor to talk about the results.

 

What you can do to improve your health before your upcoming surgery:

• Meet with your family or clinic doctor before your surgery to create a plan to treat your high blood sugar

• Avoid sweets, snacks, sweet juices or sugared soft drinks until consulting with a specialist, family or clinic doctor about your results

• Have a healthcare provider review your current medications

• Ask your family or clinic doctor regarding a diabetes clinic and if one is available in your area

 

More information:

Diabetes Canada – www.diabetes.ca

Diabetes Canada – Karen’s story YouTube link: https://youtu.be/o5PJOLBpuHs

Visit www.HealthlinkBC.ca or call *811 for more information about diabetes

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Low Blood Sugar Before Surgery

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Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is when your blood sugar level is below 4.0 mmol/L. Hypoglycemia is preventable and treatable. Blood glucose should be checked at least every 4 hours or more often if required on the morning of surgery.

 

Low Blood Sugar Can Occur if You:

• Do not eat enough food.  Eat your meals or snacks too late

• Take too much insulin or diabetes pills

• Increase your activity without enough food

• Drink too much alcohol or have alcohol without food

 

Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar can vary between different people. When your blood sugar is too low, you may feel:

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What To Do:

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1. If you have any of the symptoms and cannot test OR if you tested and your blood sugar level is:

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2. Wait 15 minutes. If your blood sugar remains below 4.0 mmol/L, take another 15 grams of

fast-acting glucose source carbohydrate. Repeat again if necessary.

 

3. You should take fast-acting glucose source carbohydrate whenever there is a confirmed or

suspected low blood sugar, even in the hour prior to hospital check-in time.

 

Special Note:

If a person is unable to swallow safely or is unconscious due to a severe low blood sugar, a

glucagon injection kit should be used and 911 called. You need to be prepared beforehand and

teach family, friends or colleagues how to use glucagon. Talk to your health care provider about this.

 

Driving and Low Blood Sugar:

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DO NOT DRIVE if your blood sugar level is below 5.0 mmol/L.

Low blood sugar makes you an unsafe driver.

1. Check your blood sugar before driving.

2. Check your blood sugar every 4 hours or more often on long drives.

3. Treat your low blood sugar immediately. You must wait at least 45–60 minutes after treatment

before you can drive safely.

4. Your blood glucose MUST be above 5.0 mmol/L before you go back to driving.

 

Be Prepared:

• If you are fasting, you should carry a fast-acting glucose source carbohydrate at all times, also

when you are travelling to the hospital.

• Have your blood glucose meter handy.

• Wear Diabetes Identification. Eg. a card, bracelet or necklace.

• Contact your doctor if you have frequent low blood sugars or if you had a severe low blood sugar.

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