Anesthesiologist Questions Anesthesiologist

Can general anesthesia increase my sugar levels?

I have diabetes type 2. Can general anesthesia increase my sugar levels?

3 Answers

Yes the stress of surgery and anesthesia can increase your blood sugar. A blood glucose level less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) is optimal for the ambulatory office setting.22 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5278535/#i0003-3006-64-1-39-b22 Because of changes in hypoglycemic regimens and the stress of anesthesia/surgery, somewhat higher blood glucose levels are likely acceptable. Although blood glucose levels can likely be managed intraoperatively, the sedation/general anesthesia provider should also be concerned with a potential for compromised wound healing and postoperative glycemic stability. Ideally, a collaborative decision to render or withhold treatment should be made with the dentist or surgeon.
No, but the stress of having surgery may
Yes, transiently.