If the person is going to have a general anesthetic, eating beforehand may be restricted. This is because the person would be more apt to vomit while recovering from the general anesthetic. If vomiting does occur in a person who is still partly under the influence of anesthesia, there is a danger of some of the food getting into the airway. Thus, food restriction is usually necessary if a general anesthetic is to be used. Anytime the amount of food intake is to change, the amount of insulin to be given must also be changed.
Different physicians handle the changes in insulin dosage differently.
Other physicians give no long-acting insulin and must t hen give supplements of Humalog or Regular insulin subcutaneously every two or three hours. If the person is going to have a general anesthetic in the hospital, some doctors prefer to give all of the insulin by intravenous infusion. Any of these methods work. By doing this, low blood sugars can be prevented. It is also wise to check the urine ketones before and after the procedure.