Management of type 1 diabetes and perioperative fasting

Nurs Times. 2003 Apr;99(15):56-7.

Abstract

Pre and postoperative fasting presents specific problems to patients with type 1 diabetes. Too much insulin can cause hypoglycaemia, whereas too little can lead to ketoacidosis. Simon Eaton explains how avoiding these complications requires use of appropriate treatment regimes and careful monitoring of glucose levels.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications*
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / etiology
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / prevention & control
  • Fasting
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypoglycemia / prevention & control
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Perioperative Nursing*
  • Preoperative Care
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin