Type 1 Colonoscopy

This is such an important question. Having done this prep a number of times, I can say that being able to walk in for your colonoscopy with your blood sugar at a reasonable level is a real accomplishment. I’ve managed it, just barely. The standard advice is to eliminate all insulin except for the basal dose and drink light-colored juice, like apple juice, as needed.

This works well for me but in the 2-3 hours before the procedure when they are saying no juice, it can get dicey. One time I had to get into a somewhat heated discussion with the gastroenterologist before leaving the house since my blood sugar was 80 and dropping. I made it clear that avoiding insulin shock came ahead of any test and he finally backed off his insistence on no juice, Everything went fine at that point and in all following colonoscopies.

Hi @xClaireyMac1888 I hope all went well today at your colonoscopy, and you managed to keep your blood sugar level up beforehand.

I was advised to eat a boiled sweet like a barley sugar or Fox's glacier mint if my blood sugar was going too low, when I wasn't allowed to drink before a colonoscopy, but in the end, thankfully I didn't need too.

Hi xClaireyMac1888,

Hope everything went ok with your colonoscopy?

I have had to have a few of these done in the past and have been told to drink just water for 12 hours before the procedure, not always helpful when diabetic. My gastro finally agreed to clear apple juice instead of water but also made sure that I was able to test right before and that there was something to eat after.

xClaireyMac1888 said:

Hi, everyone. Has anyone had a colonoscopy? How did you keep your glucose levels stable during prep? It’s currently Saturday 3am, I have a colonoscopy at 1pm. I’m really struggling with keeping my levels up. I am drinking Lucozade but it’s starting to make me feel sick. May I add I am newly diagnosed. All this is so scary.

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I am getting ready for mine next week and I was told to stop meds and insulin the day before and resume afterwards, however my BG tends to run higher.

Here are my instructions on what fluids to drinks before my colonoscopy last year.

Probably not a lot of help but I just thought of it as a slightly prolonged water fast.
T2 on Metformin and Alogliptin so no hypo risk.

Hello I know this is to late as you have had your procedure now.
I have had and survived bowel cancer and have had many colonoscopy procedures over the years. I have NEVER been told to stop any meds other then the short acting insulin (the one you take after breakfast,lunch and tea] only take the back ground insulin as this keeps your levels from raising or lowering alot.
The department you are going to should be able to give you a meal replacement that you drink if for some reason your bloods go down to much. This replacement is water based and won't interfere with the colonoscopy.
if in doubt always ask your diabetic team.

I hope it went well by the way.