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General Pre-Op for Children With Diabetes

Overview

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If your child has diabetes, you'll need to take extra care before surgery.

You may need to check your child's blood sugar more often. Your doctor may have you do this for at least 24 hours before and for 72 hours after the surgery.

Your doctor will tell you how to give your child any diabetes medicine. It may not be the same as usual. Each child is different. If you don't get instructions about your child's medicines, ask your doctor what to do. And make sure to ask about anything you don't understand.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

	Check your child's blood sugar often in the hours before the surgery.
	You will get exact instructions about when your child should stop eating before the surgery. It's important for your child to have an empty stomach before surgery. But this can also lead to low blood sugar.
	Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
	Tell the doctors ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines your child should take or stop before the procedure.
	Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your child's surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should bathe or shower before the procedure. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery center

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make your child sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
The anesthesia provider will watch your child's blood sugar level before and during surgery.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery staff will monitor your child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare your child for surgery.

Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Current as of: October 2, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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