Hospital treatment

Hi
Ive only been on a sliding scale at point of diagnosis and If I ever need to go into hospital again for diabetes issues directly (ie DKA) then its likely I will be put on a sliding scale as its the only way to tackle something as serious

In theory basal insulin, if its set right, should hold you steady so you wouldnt need it for operations or such like? Also, if its planned stay for an op or whatever - then consultation before then should be undertaken by the relevant docs

However, there should always be someone on call at hospitals who have some knowledge of diabetes in the case of emergencies (my endos are general physicians on call in my local hospital) but I do think they use it as a matter of course at times because most emergencies ARE DKA


As for NHS 24/Direct- its mainly staffed by Nurses, who prob have a general knowledge but prob not even that so I would hope a hospital would be better qualified

y

totally agree with carbs

I had this experience. They insisted I had a minor procedure under GA instead of local because they'd need me to starve for the local and that clinic wouldn't handle a sliding scale. I said I could manage my insulin but they said I wouldn't be in a fit state to do so.

In the end on the day of the op the dr saw me and said I should be up the top of the list and no sliding scale needed as it wouldn't take more than 20 mins. So I had it under GA with me controlling my insulin!!! I did complain afterwards as they were very difficult about anything to do with the diabetes and it was a distressing enough op without any of that on top.

That seems bloody daft to me.

Where I work, we encourage patients to look after their own medication, and if their BSL becomes too high, or they are DKA then they go on a sliding scale. We always give the patient a visit from the Diabetic specialist nurse (if appropriate)

I cant say for the surgical wards though, I'm a medical nurse.