Dr. Nagaraj
Diabetology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My brother is 34 years old. He recently underwent a low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis and ileostomy for stage 2 Ca rectum. On day 2 of surgery, he started to have nausea and vomiting. On day 4, after surgery, we were told he had developed some post-operative ileus, and they have put a tube called some NG tube. His fasting blood sugar levels have been increasing and have been 116 mg/dL, 124 mg/dL, 136 mg/dL on days 2, 3, 4 post-operative, respectively, and he is non-diabetic at least before surgery. Right now, he has no sepsis, abdomen pain, fever, abdominal distention, nothing except for nausea, vomiting, and mild anemia (Hb - 10 g/dL). His electrolytes, including Na, K, Cl, HCO3, serum creatinine, and BUN, are normal. Can you please tell us why are his blood sugar levels increasing? Did he develop diabetes, and if he needs HbA1c? No family history of diabetes, and he is currently getting IV fluids.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern for your brother. I am not sure if the sugar values mentioned here are taken at a particular time of the day. I assume them to be random blood sugar levels. Nausea and vomiting could be because of the effect of anesthesia and the antibiotics he is put on. He might have also been prescribed medications for the same to control them. They should settle in a day or two. Because the patient will be put on nil by oral and he has an NG tube, he should be given Dextrose and DNS solutions to meet his carbohydrate requirements. The values are of no concern, and he does not require HbA1c. Considering his age and no family history, I do not think he has diabetes now. It could all be post-operative fluids he has been given (because he is not allowed orally). It should settle as soon he resumes taking oral liquids or food over some time. Do not worry about blood sugar values as of now, and they are absolute of no concern. I hope this helps.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
The above-mentioned values were taken around 7.30 AM daily. He is getting antibiotics and a lot of IV fluids (though not sure which ones). Do you think the IV fluids increase his blood sugar levels, or is it any surgery complication? I was just worried as I read on the internet that fasting blood sugars > 126 is considered to be diabetes, and I thought of reaching out to you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Increased blood sugar levels are due to IV fluids (Dextrose and DNS contain glucose to meet energy requirements as the patient is nil orally) and postoperative stress, which increases cortisol levels in the blood, which also increases blood sugar levels. If I have to label him as diabetic, I will wait for at least two to three months and observe the sugar levels. Postoperative complications are a possibility and cannot be ruled out. I am not sure if the readings are by glucometer or sent to the lab. If blood is drawn from the same side as IV fluid has been given, it is possible to have high sugar recording. In any case, the values are not high enough to be of concern (especially in the postoperative period, which is common). I would observe the reading for a few more days and consider treating it. I missed that you had mentioned it is fasting sugar levels earlier. I hope this helps.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Diabetology
Related Questions
Why has my breathing become severely constricted?
Is there any remedy for premature ejaculation and low libido in Ayurveda?
Please tell me about the risk in recurrent stoma closure operation.
Please help me lower my blood sugar levels.
My husband consumed Lizol. Can it cause serious problems?
Increased stool frequency after proctocolectomy surgery. Please help.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
