[libbywith]

I'm having a routine colonoscopy next week and will be on clear liquids for 24 hours before the test and will be using one of the standard laxative preps. How would you adjust your basal rate? I have to drink lots and lots of liquids for the prep. Would you drink only sugarfree beverages(and risk lots of intestinal discomfort) or would you drink some clear juices and bolus for them. I have called my endo's office, but they weren't much help. Thanks.

[Jan B]

My basal requirements did not change, and I bolused as normal for the juices. One of the unexpected results I got was actually gaining a couple pounds! You'd think you would lose weight after getting all cleaned out!

I hope you get good results! Are you having the "virtual" or regular colonoscopy? As I understood it, the only downside to the "virtual" is that if any polyps are found, then you have to go through the regular routine afterward.

[fgummett]

Ideally your basals should just keep your BS flat if you don't eat any carbs. Have you done basal testing recently? If not you are going to have to use your judgment and test often. I think you will be happier if you do drink some clear juice and bolus for it. I know I get fearful headaches if I don't eat

[libbywith]

Thanks for your encouragement. I'm having the regular procedure--would not want to go though the prep again!! I probably should do some basal testing this weekend because I don't think I have the rates as good as they could be. Lazy, I guess.

[lelggren]

I just had one done in the beginning of May. I just ate jello and juices and such and bolused for them. It may be a good idea to do some basal testing just to make sure The prep is unpleasant enough without low bg's! lol And, you can wear the pump during the procedure, or you can take it off. It is only like a half hour that you have it off for, so whatever you feel more comfortable with.

Good luck! Hope all's well!

[Lilly164]

I did this test nearly a year ago and things went OK. What I did was use clear liquids with regular sugar and bolus for the carbs. I reduced the basal rate somewhat because clear liquids have less protein and no fat. I don't recall how much. Test often to keep an eye out for impending lows.
The test is just 1/2 hour or so and the prep is the most stressful part.
Hope it all goes well.
Lilly

[libbywith]

I was wondering what the effect of only clear liquids would have on basal rate. In theory it would seem that it wouldn't matter, but with no protein and fat in your diet it stands to reason that you would have to make some adjustment. I'm glad you confirmed what I was thinking. Now if I only knew how much to reduce basal. Also, I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything after midnight. What happens if I go low? I do have to correct, but I wonder if it will keep me from having the procedure. If I do all this prep and they they can't do it because I've had a little juice, then I will be really upset!

[notme]

Call the surgery center and ask about going low. I talked to my surgeon before my surgery last year and he gave me advice on what to do if I went low. Run your sugar just a bit high the night before and you shouldn't have any problem. Just before anesthesia isn't a good time to try tight control.

Don't over stress, it will drive you crazy. Your pump should keep your blood sugar under control during the test. Do a basal test and make sure your basal rate is as close to perfect before your test.