Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # 6 questions about diabetes before orthopedic surgery Diabetes planning should be part of the surgical plan, not an extra instruction added at discharge. Ask the surgical, anesthesia and diabetes teams to agree on monitoring, medicines, meals and follow-up. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Ask what needs attention before the operation](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-1) 2. [Get an individualized medicine plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-2) 3. [Coordinate fasting and glucose monitoring](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-3) 4. [Plan for changed eating and activity afterward](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-4) 5. [Connect wound care with the diabetes plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-5) 6. [Agree on the handoff back to usual care](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#guide-section-6) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/#consultation-questions) ## 1. Ask what needs attention before the operation Bring recent glucose information, relevant laboratory results and your current treatment list. Tell the team about low-glucose episodes, kidney or heart problems, changes in sensation and previous healing difficulties. Diabetes can affect infection and healing risk, but the preparation should be individualized. Ask which findings matter for this operation, whether another assessment is needed and what would lead to delaying an elective procedure. You should understand the reason for any target or request rather than trying to satisfy a number without a plan. If additional preparation is recommended, ask who will help make it achievable and when progress will be reviewed. That might mean coordinating with the clinician who normally manages diabetes, reviewing access to medicines or obtaining a clearer monitoring record. The discussion should distinguish a modifiable concern from a blanket refusal based on a diagnosis. Ask what would make the team comfortable proceeding and how the urgency of the orthopedic problem affects the balance, so the next steps are understandable and connected to your circumstances. Sources: [Preparing for surgery when you have diabetes](https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000702.htm) ## 2. Get an individualized medicine plan Insulin and different noninsulin medicines can require different perioperative instructions. Ask what to take, adjust or hold and who has coordinated that decision with the prescriber. Tell the anesthesia team about SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 medicines and any other treatment they ask about. Do not use one generic rule for every diabetes medicine or stop insulin independently. Obtain the plan in writing, including what to do if the operation time changes or you are unsure about a dose. Sources: [Preparing for surgery when you have diabetes](https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000702.htm) · [American College of Surgeons — Medication and Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/medications/) ## 3. Coordinate fasting and glucose monitoring Ask when monitoring should occur, who checks glucose at the facility and what readings or symptoms should prompt contact before arrival. Discuss pumps and continuous glucose monitors explicitly; the team needs to decide how they will be managed during the procedure. Clarify the eating and drinking instructions and what to do if you develop low glucose while fasting. The answer should come from the clinicians responsible for your care, with a contact route for questions rather than an expectation that you improvise. Sources: [Preparing for surgery when you have diabetes](https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000702.htm) ## 4. Plan for changed eating and activity afterward Pain, nausea, reduced activity and the stress of surgery can alter glucose management. Ask how the medicine plan will adapt if you cannot eat normally and who will review the readings after discharge. Arrange appropriate food and help obtaining supplies. If you live alone or have difficulty seeing labels or using devices, raise that before surgery. A plan that assumes your normal routine continues unchanged may not fit the first recovery phase. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Strong for Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/strong-for-surgery/) ## 5. Connect wound care with the diabetes plan Ask which wound changes and general symptoms need prompt assessment, and who handles those concerns outside office hours. Keep the dressing instructions and glucose plan together so a helper can understand both if you authorize their involvement. Tell the team if limited mobility or a shoulder restriction prevents you from checking the incision or managing your usual device. The answer may require practical assistance, not just more written instructions. Report concerns rather than treating delayed healing as an inevitable consequence you must accept. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Strong for Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/strong-for-surgery/) ## 6. Agree on the handoff back to usual care Before discharge, identify which medicines changed temporarily, who gives restart instructions and when your regular diabetes clinician should hear from you. Ask for the current list to be shared with the relevant offices. If the plan involves a new prescription or different dose, confirm access and cost. At Commons Clinic, tell us who manages your diabetes so orthopedic preparation can account for that relationship. Patient accounts about coordination may help you choose a consultation, but your glucose history and operation determine the actual plan. Keep the current medicine instructions with your glucose records. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Medication and Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/medications/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which diabetes-related findings affect readiness for this operation? - Who coordinates each medication adjustment with my prescriber? - How will fasting and glucose monitoring work? - What is the plan for my pump or continuous monitor? - What should I do if nausea changes eating after surgery? - Which wound or glucose concerns require prompt contact? - Who gives restart instructions and updates my usual clinician? ## Sources & further reading - [Preparing for surgery when you have diabetes](https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000702.htm) MedlinePlus / National Library of Medicine - [American College of Surgeons — Medication and Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/medications/) American College of Surgeons - [American College of Surgeons — Strong for Surgery](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/strong-for-surgery/) American College of Surgeons We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/diabetes-orthopedic-surgery-questions/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Amandeep Bhalla, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [More about Amandeep Bhalla ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > His discussion of management principles and what surgery and postop would entail was very helpful and reassuring. L. L Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106516797942563057484/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > I could not recommend Dr. Ramkumar more if you need knee surgery. L. Eskenazi Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 27, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108535696300733625998/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) ## [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Excerpt > He has great bedside manner and took his time explaining everything and got me scheduled for surgery in less than a week!! D. Westby Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 29, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113461655620754241569/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Dr. Bhalla performed both Cervical and Lumbar Surgery and I trust him totally. D. Gomez Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 14, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114469992453456719193/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) ## [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) Excerpt > She is wonderful and took great care of my precious mom with her hip surgery. We are grateful for her. E. Horton Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 3, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100981555524278216200/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > First time having surgery and the whole staff made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. R. Armendariz Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 7, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105692932792513615914/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [7 questions to coordinate care before and after orthopedic treatment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Good coordination turns a treatment recommendation into a plan you can follow: the right records, clear responsibilities, and someone to contact when the next step is unclear. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Choosing your care ### [5 questions before flying or taking a long trip after surgery](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/travel-after-orthopedic-surgery-questions/) Travel after surgery is a planning decision, not a date copied from another patient's recovery. Discuss the full journey with your surgical team before booking or committing to a return trip. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/travel-after-orthopedic-surgery-questions/) Choosing your care ### [5 questions families can ask about confusion after surgery](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/confusion-after-surgery-caregiver-questions/) Families can help by describing a person's usual thinking, preparing familiar supports, and reporting a sudden change promptly. New confusion after surgery should be assessed, not dismissed as an ordinary part of recovery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/confusion-after-surgery-caregiver-questions/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Amandeep Bhalla](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.