General points to remember

•  It is our aim for you to be seen and investigated as soon as possible after your arrival. However, the department is very busy and your investigation may be delayed. If emergencies occur, these patients will obviously be given priority over the less urgent cases. 
•  The hospital cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property during your time on these premises. 
•  If you are unable to keep your appointment please notify the endoscopy department as soon as possible. 
• Because you are having sedation, please arrange for someone to collect you. 
• If you have any problems with persistent abdominal pain or bleeding please contact the Endoscopy Helpline for advice. Contact details will be on your discharge letter.

Specific advice for people with diabetes

Treatment by diet alone

If you control your diabetes with diet alone, you simply need to follow the instructions given to you to prepare for your colonoscopy.

Treatment by tablets and/or insulin 

You should inform the endoscopy department about your diabetes and request an early morning appointment.

Preparation on first day 

As advised earlier in this Booklet there are two days of preparation before the examination. When following the low fibre diet on the first day try to make sure you eat your usual amounts of carbohydrate from the allowed list eg white bread, white rice, pasta etc. Continue to take your usual tablets and/or insulin and check your blood sugar levels as usual. 

Adjusting your diabetes medication to prevent hypoglycaemia 

You will need to reduce your treatment the day before and the morning of the procedure to prevent the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level). As a result your blood sugar control may be a little higher than usual. This is only temporary to maintain your blood sugars through the procedure and you should be back to your usual level of control within 24 to 48 hours. 

If you have concerns about adjusting your dosage, please contact the Diabetes Nursing Team well in advance of the appointment, to discuss appropriate measures.

Carrying Glucose to treat Hypoglycaemia 

On the day before and day of the procedure carry glucose tablets in case of hypoglycaemia. As these are absorbed quickly through the tissues of the mouth, if sucked, they will not interfere with the procedure. Take three (3) tablets initially, followed by a further three (3) after 10 minutes if symptoms persist. If your medication has been adjusted this should not be a problem.