Version 1.0.0, 1 June 2026. 002354-NDSS-W Key facts Plan ahead when having surgery or medical procedures. Monitor and record your glucose levels in the lead-up to your surgery. You may need to adjust your diabetes medicines or insulin if you are fasting (not eating). Know how to manage low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) before and after surgery. Follow your sick day plan if your glucose levels are high after surgery. Related pages Medicines for diabetes Hospital stays Sick days Hypoglycaemia Scans and radiation treatments with diabetes devices Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page Having surgery or a procedure with diabetes Preparing for your surgery or procedure The day before and day of your surgery or procedure After your surgery or procedure When to see your health professional What this means for you More information and support Having surgery or a procedure with diabetes If you are having surgery or a medical procedure, you will need to plan how to manage your diabetes. Your doctor and anaesthetist (the doctor who gives sedation or anaesthetic) need to know that you have diabetes and how you manage it. This fact sheet is about surgery or medical procedures that use anaesthetic or sedation. You can read about managing diabetes when you have medical imaging or radiation therapy here. What is the difference between surgery and a medical procedure? Surgery involves cutting into the body’s tissue under anaesthetic or sedation. Major surgery is done in a hospital operating theatre. An example is joint replacement surgery. Medical procedures are also often done under sedation or with anaesthesia. They may take place in a clinic or day procedure centre. Most do not need an overnight stay in hospital. One example is a colonoscopy. Preparing for your surgery or procedure If you are having a planned surgery or procedure, there are steps you can take to help it go smoothly. Check your diabetes management plan Ask your doctor, nurse practitioner or diabetes educator to review your diabetes management plan. Aim to keep your glucose levels in your target range as much as possible. If you see your general practitioner (GP) for your diabetes management, they may refer you to a diabetes specialist. Monitor your glucose levels Ask your diabetes health professional about monitoring your glucose levels before surgery. If you do not already check your glucose levels, they may recommend that you start. Monitoring helps you keep your levels in a healthy range, which can lower the risk of problems during surgery. Keep a record of your readings and bring it with you on the day of your procedure. If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), ask your doctor and anaesthetist if you can wear it during the surgery or procedure. Ask about changes to diabetes medicines and insulin Your diabetes medicines may need to be changed or stopped before your surgery or procedure. Ask your doctor what changes to make and when to make them. If you use insulin, your doses may need changing. If you use an insulin pump, ask your doctor and anaesthetist if you can continue using it during the procedure. Managing your diabetes in hospital Some people prefer to check their own glucose levels and give their own insulin while in hospital. If this is important to you, discuss it with your doctor before you go to the hospital. When you are admitted to hospital, let hospital staff know what you have discussed with your doctor. Download a diabetes and surgery checklist to help you prepare for your surgery or procedure. The day before and day of your surgery or procedure Take your medicines and insulin as instructed Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully about when to take, stop or adjust your medicines or insulin. Pack all the medicines or insulin you usually use in your hospital bag, so they are with you when it is time to restart them. Bring a record of your glucose readings Bring a record of your recent readings to help your doctors understand what’s normal for you. This helps them make safe decisions and helps your surgery or procedure go smoothly. Change your insulin pump line and set If you will wear an insulin pump during your procedure, change the line and set or replace your patch pump 24 hours beforehand. This gives you time to check your pump will be working properly during the procedure. Choose an insertion site far from where surgery will happen. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. Have the right hypo treatment ready If you need to fast (not eat or drink), only use clear apple juice to treat a low blood glucose level (hypo). The recommended amount is half a glass (125 mL) of clear apple juice. Before your surgery, tell hospital staff if you had a hypo while fasting and how you treated it. Bowel preparation Some procedures, like a colonoscopy, need bowel preparation (prep). This may involve: changing your diet a few days before having only clear fluids the day before taking medicine that clears out your bowel the day before. Ask your doctor if you need to adjust your diabetes medicine or insulin. Check how to treat a hypo during this time. After your surgery or procedure Ask when you can start your diabetes medicines or insulin again You might not be able to take your diabetes medicine or insulin straight away. Ask your doctor when it is safe to do so, and if you need to adjust your dose. Be aware that if you are in hospital, you may only be allowed to take medicines provided by the hospital. Ask about eating or drinking Once you are eating and drinking normally, you will likely go back to taking your usual diabetes medicine and insulin. Always check with your doctor first. If the surgery or procedure affects your ability to eat, ask your doctor how to manage your diabetes until you can eat normally again. Follow your sick day plan if your glucose levels are high Your glucose levels may be a bit higher than usual in the days after your surgery. Make sure you have a sick day action plan and that you know when to start it. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. When to see your health professional If you had a hospital stay, ask your doctor if you need any follow-up care for your diabetes. Keep checking your blood glucose levels for as long as your doctor advises. See your regular health professionals for your usual appointments. What this means for you Make sure your doctor and anaesthetist know that you have diabetes when you are planning surgery or a procedure. They will ask about your usual diabetes management. You may need to make some changes before and after your surgery or procedure. This helps keep your glucose levels in a healthy range and reduces the risk of complications. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 600 and ask to speak to a health professional about managing your diabetes. Find out more about diabetes and how to manage it by accessing support programs and information sessions. Find a credentialled diabetes educator at the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources ADS-ANZCA perioperative diabetes and hyperglycaemia guidelines (adults). Guidelines of the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists & Faculty of Pain Medicine (ANZCA), 2022. https://www.diabetessociety.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ADS-ANZCA-Perioperative-Diabetes-and-Hyperglycaemia-Guidelines-Adults-November-2022-v2-Final.pdf (accessed June 2026).
