Diabetic Medications Prep

Diabetic Medications Prep Explained

Many gastrointestinal procedures require temporary changes to eating patterns, such as clear-liquid diets or fasting. Because these changes can affect blood sugar control, diabetes medications may need to be adjusted to support safety and prevent low or high blood sugars around the time of your procedure.

Timing & Schedule

Medication adjustments typically take place shortly before your procedure and on the day of the exam. You’ll follow specific guidance based on your diabetes treatment plan, and some medications may be held or adjusted temporarily. Detailed instructions and exact timing are provided below.

Instructions:

Step 1.

Insulin

If you normally have an evening dose of insulin

In the evening before your procedure, you will take only half of your normal dose. For example, if you take 10 units for your evening dose, you will only take 5 units.
In the morning on the day of your procedure, you will NOT take any insulin. Once your procedure is completed and you resume a normal diet, you will be able to resume your normal dosing of insulin.

Step 2.

Oral Antidiabetic Agents

Oral antidiabetic agents such as Metformin, Januvia, etc. - You will hold this (not take it) on the day of your procedure. You may resume your normal dosing after your procedure is completed and you resume a normal diet.

Step 3.

Oral and Injectable GLP-1s

STOP ALL GLP-1 medications 7 days prior to procedure. (you may take this the day after procedure)

Step 4.

Insulin Pumps

You will need to monitor your blood sugars more frequently through the day and may need to adjust your insulin accordingly because you will be on a liquid diet.
If you have further questions please reach out to your endocrinologist or prescribing doctor.

Step 5.

Dietary Instructions

Most frequent questions are related to "fasting". You are not fasting on the day before your procedure.
You may have clear liquids. This includes Jello, popsicles, broth, sports drinks, protein water (protein-2- 0) or clear premier protein water, any flavor of soda, pulp free orange juice, pulp free lemonade, grape juice, apple juice, tea, coffee (no cream).
To help blood sugar maintained, having broth or protein water will help carry you through. No RED of any of these fluids. Any other color is fine.

Take Aways

Additional Details

Medication:

Insulin (evening dose)—take half of your usual evening dose the night before the procedure unless your prescriber instructs otherwise.
Insulin (morning of)—do not take insulin the morning of the procedure; resume your usual dosing once you are eating normally.
Oral diabetes medications—hold all oral antidiabetic agents (such as metformin, Januvia, and similar medications) on the day of the procedure.
Weekly GLP-1 injections—if your injection is scheduled on the day of your procedure, move it to the day before or the day after.
Insulin pump—monitor blood sugar more frequently and adjust dosing as advised while on a liquid diet.

These are general guidelines and do not replace advice from your endocrinologist or primary diabetes provider.
Contact your diabetes provider before the procedure if—
- your blood sugar control is brittle
- you use a complex insulin regimen
- you are unsure how to adjust doses safely

This sheet provides general information for patients with diabetes having GI procedures. Always follow the instructions from your GI team and your diabetes care provider first.