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Diabetic Considerations With EGD

If you are diabetic, considerations with EGD include being aware that you are at higher risk for infections, having a reaction to certain drugs used during the procedure, and a delayed healing process. Regular symptoms that you may experience with low or high blood sugar levels, such as weakness, shortness of breath, or vision problems, may actually be a sign of bleeding or some other problem from your EGD procedure. Because of the risks involved with an EGD, it is essential for you to communicate with your healthcare providers so they can minimize any possible problems.

 

Things to Watch for When Leaving the Clinic

As a person with diabetes, you probably know about the signs and symptoms that come with high or low blood sugar levels.
 
They can include:
 
  • Weakness
  • Vision problems
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating.
     
If you have any of these problems after your upper endoscopy (EGD), they may have nothing to do with diabetes. They could mean that you have bleeding or some other problem from your EGD procedure. Check your blood sugar levels, and if you have hypoglycemia, treat it. If your blood sugar returns to normal and you are still having problems, or if your blood sugar stays low, tell your doctor immediately. You may be asked to check your blood sugar more often to help find out what is causing the problem.
 

EGD Risks as a Diabetic

As a person with diabetes, your risks for
 upper endoscopy complications are higher. Although still uncommon, it is more likely for you to have:
 
  • A reaction to certain drugs used during the procedure
  • Infections
  • A delayed healing process.
     
For these reasons, it is important for you to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and return sooner if any of the previously mentioned symptoms, or other unusual symptoms, develop. Infections are a concern for this procedure; with the knowledge that you are diabetic, your doctor will treat any early suspected infections more aggressively.
 
Because of the risks involved with an EGD, it is essential for you to communicate with your healthcare providers so they can minimize any possible problems. Your team is trained to observe, evaluate, and respond to any unusual situations that arise.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD