There are over 29 million diabetics in the United States, and the number is steadily increasing. Every year, thousands of diabetics schedule colonoscopies. If you have diabetes, a colonoscopy prep can be challenging because it means missing meals or changing your eating schedule. Therefore, it is especially important to monitor your blood sugar throughout the prep period.
Here are some tips for a successful prep that is compatible with a diabetic menu:
On the day before your colonoscopy, you should aim for 45 grams of carbohydrates at meals and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates for snacks. You have several options for clear liquids that have no carbohydrates. Some of these choices include fat-free broth or bullion, clear diet soda, coffee, tea (unsweetened or diet), seltzer and flavored water.
You can have clear liquids that do contain carbohydrates but you need to monitor the amount. Use this as a guide:
- 4 oz. apple juice— 15 grams
- 4 oz. white grape juice— 15 grams
- 8 oz. Gatorade— 14 grams
- ½ cup Jell-O (regular, sweetened)—15 grams
- Orange popsicle (read the label)—15 grams
- Italian ice (read the label)— 30 grams
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for coffee or tea)— 4 grams
Here is a sample menu for your prep day
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Apple or white grape juice— 1 cup | Broth— ¾ cup | Broth— ¾ cup |
| Regular sweetened gelatin— 1 cup | Italian ice— ½ cup | Strained fruit juice— 1 cup |
| Tea with lemon | Regular sweetened gelatin— ½ cup | Regular sweetened gelatin— ½ cup |
| Tea with lemon | Tea with lemon |
On the day of the colonoscopy
- Bring your glucose meter, test strips and low blood glucose treatment with you on the day of your procedure.
- Schedule the appointment for early in the day so that you can eat as soon as possible and take your medication.
- Resume your normal medication schedule.