Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Should Insulin Be Taken Before Undergoing Cataract Surgery?

Hello doctor, My mother, aged 54, has been diagnosed with Diabetes 1-1/2 months ago. She has been suffering with Lymphoedima(swelling of the legs) since 30 years, and with Thyroid since 6 years. Now, she is due for Cataract operation. Her random diabetic count is 8 and Fasting sugar - 103, post lunch - 203 (latest). She needs to get operated for Cataract as soon as possible. Could you please advice, if she needs to take Insulin shots before the operation? Or could she continue with her medication -Gluconorm-G 2(two times a day) - till the sugars get normal and then go for operation? Kindly advice at the earliest.
Mon, 13 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
I'm not sure what you mean by 'random diabetic count'. Is it her glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)? The target value for a diabetic patient is a HbA1c below 7%. Her fasting blood sugar is not high - it is within target range. If that's her usual measurements then this is OK. Her postprandial levels are higher than the target which is to keep glucose under 180mg/dL or (ideally) under 140mg/dL.
Since she is that close to the target range I doubt that a tighter blood glucose control would make a big difference to her outcome. Despite that good blood glucose control is adviced BEFORE surgery. Please consult your ophthalmologist about potentially coexistent retinal damage because a fast intervention on her mean blood glucose (HbA1c) can cause additional damage AFTER the surgery.
My opinion is that insulin is not absolutely needed, although it is the most efficient treatment for diabetes. She is very close the target, which can be reached with pills, diet and exercise.
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
If you have further questions on the subject, I'll be glad to answer.
Kind Regards!
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Insulin


Loading Online Doctors....
Should Insulin Be Taken Before Undergoing Cataract Surgery?

Hello, I m not sure what you mean by random diabetic count . Is it her glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)? The target value for a diabetic patient is a HbA1c below 7%. Her fasting blood sugar is not high - it is within target range. If that s her usual measurements then this is OK. Her postprandial levels are higher than the target which is to keep glucose under 180mg/dL or (ideally) under 140mg/dL. Since she is that close to the target range I doubt that a tighter blood glucose control would make a big difference to her outcome. Despite that good blood glucose control is adviced BEFORE surgery. Please consult your ophthalmologist about potentially coexistent retinal damage because a fast intervention on her mean blood glucose (HbA1c) can cause additional damage AFTER the surgery. My opinion is that insulin is not absolutely needed, although it is the most efficient treatment for diabetes. She is very close the target, which can be reached with pills, diet and exercise. I hope I ve addressed your concerns! If you have further questions on the subject, I ll be glad to answer. Kind Regards!