Diabetes and colonoscopy

If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugars frequently while doing the bowel preparation.

1. Take only ½ of your usual dose of insulin or pills on the day before your colonoscopy, when you are taking only clear fluids
2. Do not take any diabetic medications on the morning of the colonoscopy. Except-if you only take insulin, take half of the usual dose of long acting insulin in the morning.
3. Check your blood sugar levels at home before all meals, before bedtime and on the morning of your exam. Check if you have concerns or if you have symptoms of low or very high blood glucose levels

1. Ask to schedule the colonoscopy early in the day so that you can eat afterwards and take your medication as close to the usual time as possible
2. Check your blood glucose level before all meals and at bedtime on the day before and on the day of the colonoscopy
3. Check your blood glucose level at any time you have concerns or if you have symptoms of low or very high blood glucose levels
4. Bring your blood glucose meter, test strips, a low blood glucose treatment and a snack with you on the day of the colonoscopy. Do not have any solid food before the colonoscopy and stop all liquids two hours before the colonoscopy