U.S. Anesthesia Partners Highlights Importance of Pre-Surgery Planning for Diabetic Patients
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP), a prominent anesthesia practice, is drawing attention to the critical importance of preparatory measures for patients with diabetes ahead of surgical procedures. As diabetes continues to affect a significant portion of the American population, estimated at around 40 million individuals, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, its implications in operating rooms are consequential.
Blood sugar levels that fluctuate excessively can complicate anesthesia and recovery experiences, necessitating proactive planning from both patients and medical teams. To aid this initiative, USAP has delved into updated perioperative guidelines that offer clear strategies for the care of diabetic patients.
For those on GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs designed to lower blood sugar levels, it is advisable to inform healthcare professionals about their usage as soon as a procedure is scheduled. This advice has evolved significantly since 2025 and is especially pertinent for diabetics who might also be using insulin or other glucose-regulating medications.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has set forth standards to optimize surgical outcomes for patients with diabetes, advocating for an A1C level of less than 8 percent three months prior to any elective surgery. Furthermore, it is crucial for blood glucose levels to remain within the 100-180 mg/dL range before, during, and after surgery. Patients utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) may be able to use recent data from these monitors in lieu of traditional A1C tests.
Regarding GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, most patients are encouraged to continue their use before elective procedures, with certain exceptions for individuals at high risk of slow stomach emptying. These individuals may be directed to follow a liquid-only diet 24 hours before surgery. This recommendation arises from the fact that GLP-1 medications can prolong the digestive process, increasing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia—when stomach contents enter the lungs.
To ensure that diabetic patients are adequately prepared for surgery, USAP shares several recommendations:
It's worth noting that this information serves educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice or consultation with a healthcare provider.
About U.S. Anesthesia Partners
USAP is dedicated to delivering high-quality anesthesia services, operating across more than 700 facilities in the United States. This physician-owned and clinician-led organization handles approximately three million cases annually, focusing on maintaining industry-leading practice standards through data-driven quality metrics and continuous improvements.
Blood sugar levels that fluctuate excessively can complicate anesthesia and recovery experiences, necessitating proactive planning from both patients and medical teams. To aid this initiative, USAP has delved into updated perioperative guidelines that offer clear strategies for the care of diabetic patients.
For those on GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs designed to lower blood sugar levels, it is advisable to inform healthcare professionals about their usage as soon as a procedure is scheduled. This advice has evolved significantly since 2025 and is especially pertinent for diabetics who might also be using insulin or other glucose-regulating medications.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has set forth standards to optimize surgical outcomes for patients with diabetes, advocating for an A1C level of less than 8 percent three months prior to any elective surgery. Furthermore, it is crucial for blood glucose levels to remain within the 100-180 mg/dL range before, during, and after surgery. Patients utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) may be able to use recent data from these monitors in lieu of traditional A1C tests.
Regarding GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, most patients are encouraged to continue their use before elective procedures, with certain exceptions for individuals at high risk of slow stomach emptying. These individuals may be directed to follow a liquid-only diet 24 hours before surgery. This recommendation arises from the fact that GLP-1 medications can prolong the digestive process, increasing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia—when stomach contents enter the lungs.
To ensure that diabetic patients are adequately prepared for surgery, USAP shares several recommendations:
- - Communicate with your healthcare team: Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your diabetes status early on, during the scheduling of your procedure. It's also essential to provide a complete list of medications, including any forms of insulin, oral medications, injectables, and any supplements.
- - Manage your A1C levels: The ADA’s recommendation is to maintain an A1C below 8 percent before undergoing elective surgery. If your A1C is above this threshold, discuss options for bringing it down prior to the surgery.
- - Understand your medication regimen: Different diabetes medications have varying instructions pre-surgery. Some may be continued up to the surgery day, while others could require adjustments or temporary cessation. For example, SGLT2 inhibitors generally need to be stopped three to four days beforehand.
- - Disclose GLP-1 usage promptly: Most diabetes medications can continue as normal, but patients might need to adhere to special preoperative diets or guidelines. This underscores the necessity of following dietary instructions to minimize any risks related to anesthesia.
- - Prepare for the fasting period: Clarify how and when to monitor blood sugar levels during the fasting phase before surgery. Understand the protocol for managing low blood sugar during this period.
- - Be forthright about adherence to instructions: If you're unable to follow preoperative guidelines, it's vital to communicate this to your healthcare team ahead of the procedure to facilitate safe and informed decision-making.
It's worth noting that this information serves educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice or consultation with a healthcare provider.
About U.S. Anesthesia Partners
USAP is dedicated to delivering high-quality anesthesia services, operating across more than 700 facilities in the United States. This physician-owned and clinician-led organization handles approximately three million cases annually, focusing on maintaining industry-leading practice standards through data-driven quality metrics and continuous improvements.
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