Stay in the Know: Diabetes and Hernia Surgery Risks
Over 38 million Americans live with diabetes (about 11% of the population), and many will require some type of surgery during their lifetime. If you’re scheduled for hernia surgery, it’s important to follow the specific instructions you receive from your surgeon. If for any reason you aren’t comfortable with the instruction or don’t understand the diabetes plan in place, consult your endocrinologist or primary care doctor.1
This post includes general information about risks of undergoing hernia repair surgery while having diabetes, but as with all of our posts, if you have any questions, please contact your doctor.
Possible Post-Surgical Complications
While all surgeries have risks, patients with diabetes have a higher risk of postoperative complications, including: 2,3
- Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).1
- Wound infection, bleeding, and superficial wound dehiscence (when the wound splits or opens).5
- Impaired wound healing.4
- Alternate infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis.5
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS).6
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).1
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Prior to Surgery:3
If you’re a person with diabetes, there are important questions you should ask your surgeon prior to scheduling hernia repair surgery.
- Who will manage my diabetes during my hospital stay?
- Who will manage my diabetes during the surgery?
- Should I take my insulin the morning of the surgery?
- Should I take my nighttime dose of insulin?
- What would you like me to do if I have an episode of high blood glucose the morning of surgery?
- When should I have my last meal/fluid prior to surgery?
- If my blood sugar is low, what can I do about it that won't complicate my surgery?
- Should oral diabetes medication be held or taken?
Ways to Help Reduce the Risk of Complications
Diabetic management is key to reducing the risk of complications after hernia repair and improving overall health.5 Prior to surgery, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)7 recommends taking measures to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar levels to stay within the recommended range. These may include medication changes and lifestyle modifications, such as increasing exercise and improving your diet.
See Hernia Lifestyle Changes →
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You can find local hernia surgeons in your area with our Surgeon Finder.
The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.
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