How to manage diabetes before and after surgery

When there is a storm on the way, we close the windows and take precautions to keep safe. The same holds true when preparing for surgery. By taking steps to be ready, complications following surgery are less likely to develop. This is especially true if you have diabetes. By taking steps to establish a firm control over the diabetes, the outcome can be less troublesome.

Here are some suggestions from Medline Plus on how people with diabetes can get ready for surgery and have a safer recovery.

Getting ready
The key to being ready revolves around clear communication between you and your doctors. Here are some things that should be covered in the time before surgery.

* Bring the doctor a list of all your medications and ask if any changes need to be made. The doctor may suggest stopping some medications 48 hours before surgery. Write down all instructions and be sure to follow them.

* If you take insulin, talk to your doctor about the time you take it and whether the routine doses need to be altered before surgery.

* Ask your doctor for a recommended blood sugar level for days preceding surgery and strive to meet that goal. It is always important to control your blood sugar but it is even more important when facing surgery.

* Let your doctor know if you experience any changes in vision, kidney function, or heart rate in the days before surgery. Also communicate any loss of feeling in your feet. If these things occur, the doctor may want to run extra tests before surgery to address these issues.

Following surgery
After surgery, it is important to be both vigilant and patient. Here are some things to remember.

* After surgery, you may not feel like eating or you may feel some pain. Both of these things can affect your blood sugar levels. Check blood sugar levels more frequently than normal and make adjustments to try to keep to target levels.

* Some medications that are routinely given following surgery may affect your blood sugar levels. Be sure to ask about the medications to find out if they might cause issues for your blood sugar. If you know what to expect, adjustments can be made. Also, remember to ask if it is safe to take regular medications after surgery or if some need to be delayed.

* Healing may progress more slowly than expected. This is common for diabetics so be patient and allow healing to happen over time.

* Diabetics can be more prone to infection than others, so keep a close watch for redness or pain at the surgical site. If there is an increase in pain, swelling or you have a fever, let the doctor know.

* Although you may not feel up to moving around, it is important to change positions and get out of bed to avoid developing bedsores. If you have decreased feeling in your feet or fingers, you may not even realize that problems are developing.

Help with recovery
Focusing on controlling diabetes during recovery can be challenging because there are so many other things to consider from pain management to physical therapy. One way to make recovery more successful after a hospital stay is to stay in a short-term care rehabilitation center such as Glenview Terrace. Instead of trying to remember to frequently test your blood sugar, make medication changes and monitor other health issues, your focus can simply be on resting, healing and getting back to life. A professional staff will monitor everything else and remain in contact with your doctor in case of any changes. The peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about all the details will help make the recovery less stressful for both you and your family.

Glenview Terrace has earned a reputation for providing excellent care during a time of recovery. The experienced staff can monitor blood sugar and administer the right medications to keep you moving toward your wellness goals. They are aware of  the dietary and physical needs of diabetes and deliver the best care possible.

Choosing Glenview Terrace means you can be assured of receiving care from a team of medical professionals and therapists focused on helping you become healthy again. Regaining strength is an important part of recovery and the therapists provide individualized, one-on-one sessions. Glenview Terrace offers state-of-the art equipment in its gyms to move you toward personal goals. The staff can also help you develop a long-term plan for safely continuing exercise after discharge.

Glenview Terrace delivers this outstanding care in an elegant setting that begins with beautifully landscaped grounds and continues into the spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy concierge service and an array of amenities and services designed to pamper guests. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.comor call 847-729-9090.