Sitemap

health advisory Hospital Doctor Yu 2007-11-8 19:08:27

Answers:

Because they prefer that a diabetic's blood sugar be higher going into surgery so that you don't "bottom out". Also, you won't be allowed to eat for a long period prior to the procedure and may not be able to eat afterwards. This is to protect you and keep you from having a hypoglycemic reaction. I've been diabetic for 16 years.

---

The first answer is wrong (sorry Cyanne2ak). You have to stop glucophage (metformin) before a heart cath just the same as you would a CT scan ("Cat scan"). It has nothing to do with blood sugar levels. It has everything to do with how you body handles the drug when faced with an iodine-containing contrast, like those used in a cardiac catherization or CT scan or IVP. Ideally, someone should avoid glucophage from the period 24 hours before the procedure to 72 hours after the procedure. Taking the drug during this time could result in severe metabolic acidosis, sometimes to the point of death. It's not common, but it's well-described in the literature.

---