Colonoscopy Diet Tips for People with Diabetes: Prepping and Recovering

Preparing for a Colonoscopy with Diabetes: Diet and Lifestyle Tips

A colonoscopy is a routine preventative screening used to check for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal issues. However, having diabetes requires some additional preparation to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely. Following the right colonoscopy diet and making medication adjustments are key.

Why Diabetics Get Colonoscopies

People with diabetes are at higher risk for colorectal cancer and should start getting colonoscopies at age 45 instead of the standard age 50. Other reasons a doctor may recommend a colonoscopy for a diabetic patient include:

• Screening for polyps or precancerous growths
• Investigating symptoms like change in bowel habits
• Checking causes of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease

Caught early, colorectal cancer has over a 90% 5-year survival rate, so screening is critical.

Pre-Procedure Diet and Prep

The colon must be fully cleared of stool for the colonoscopy to be successful. This requires following a clear liquid diet for 1-2 days beforehand and taking a laxative solution to "prep" the colon. Be sure to:

• Stop eating seeds, nuts, and raw fruits/vegetables up to a week before.
• Stick to approved clear liquids according to the instructions.
• Avoid anything red, blue, or purple colored.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water, broth, juice, coffee, tea.

Follow prep instructions exactly to cleanse the colon and prevent the procedure from needing to be repeated.

Diet Tips for the Day Before

The day before the colonoscopy, only consume clear liquids while avoiding fiber, solids, milk, and alcohol. Some go-to options include:

• Water, sparkling water, mineral water
• Strained fruit juices without pulp like apple, white grape, lemonade
• Clear broths like chicken, vegetable, or beef
• Plain gelatin
• Popsicles without fruit chunks or cream
• Coffee or tea without milk or creamer
• Clear, soft drinks like ginger ale, Sprite, 7UP

Drink at least 8 ounces of liquid every hour to stay hydrated while fasting. Broths and juices help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration.

Day of Colonoscopy Diet Tips

On the morning of the colonoscopy, continue the clear liquid diet up until 2 hours before your scheduled procedure time. At that point, stop drinking fluids to avoid vomiting during the colonoscopy.

Allowed clear liquids include:

• Water
• Black coffee or tea (no milk/creamer)
• Clear fruit juices without pulp
• Plain gelatin
• Clear sodas or sports drinks
• Chicken or beef broth

Do not consume anything red, blue, or purple colored. Avoid solid foods, milk, juices with pulp, smoothies, and alcohol.

Medication Considerations

Consult your doctor about needed medication changes both leading up to and the day of the procedure. Common adjustments may include:

• Oral diabetes medication - May need to alter dosage or timing because of liquid diet and fasting.
• Insulin - Need to account for lack of solid food intake. May utilize reduced dosing protocol.
• Blood thinners - Often need to be stopped several days beforehand to reduce risk of bleeding.
• Supplements - May need to stop iron, fish oil, and other supplements that can cause GI issues.

Carefully follow your doctor's medication instructions to prevent complications like hypoglycemia while fasting.

Coping with Colonoscopy Prep

Colonoscopy prep can be challenging with diabetes due to the clear liquid diet, fasting, and laxative use. Some tips to get through it include:

Planning Ahead

Make preparations in advance so the liquid diet and fasting goes smoothly:

• Get laxatives, broth, juices ahead of time.
• Make adjustments to medication dosing schedule.
• Stock up on divertissements like books, movies, video games.
• Clear work and social obligations for the prep days.

Being organized and having a plan reduces stress and complications.

Preventing Dehydration

Dehydration is a serious risk due to the fluid loss from laxative use and fasting. Be proactive by:

• Drinking at least 64 oz of approved clear liquids per day.
• Sipping liquid throughout the day rather than guzzling large amounts.
• Consuming electrolyte-rich broths and juices.
• Avoiding strenuous exercise to prevent fluid loss.

Notify your doctor if you experience signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or rapid heart rate.

Controlling Blood Sugar

The liquid diet makes blood sugar control tricky. Help maintain stable levels by:

• Checking glucose every 2-4 hours and record readings.
• Adjusting insulin dosing as needed with your doctors guidance.
• Having glucose tabs on hand in case levels drop too low.
• Avoiding sugary drinks like juice and soda which can spike blood sugar.

Notify your doctor immediately if blood sugar becomes too high or crashes severely low.

Combating Hunger and Fatigue

Despite hunger and low energy from fasting, you can get through the prep days by:

• Drinking broths to get filling protein and nutrients.
• Trying snacks like plain gelatin, popsicles, mints, or gum.
• Distracting yourself with your favorite sedentary hobbies.
• Taking brief, gentle walks for mental clarity.
• Sticking to the clear liquid diet - no cheating!

Stay strong knowing the restricted diet is temporary. Focus on the long-term health benefits of getting screened.

Recovering after a Colonoscopy with Diabetes

Once the colonoscopy is complete, you will gradually return to normal eating over the first day while monitoring for potential complications.

Beverages and Foods to Resume

After the colonoscopy, you can slowly add back:

• Water or diluted juice
• Clear broths or gelatin
• Crackers, toast, rice, noodles
• Soft, bland foods like applesauce, banana,cottage cheese
• Milk, dairy like yogurt
• Lean protein sources
• Raw fruits and vegetables

Eat smaller amounts at first to see how your stomach tolerates reintroducing solid food. Avoid alcohol, spicy dishes, and rich foods at first.

Getting Back to Normal Routines

On the day after the colonoscopy, you can start resuming normal activities like:

• Driving
• Working
• Exercising gently
• Social engagements
• Sexual activity

However, make sure you are fully awake from the sedation and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 1 day to allow the colon to recover.

Watching for Side Effects

Contact your doctor if you experience concerning symptoms like:

• Severe abdominal pain or bloating
• Fever or chills
• Bloody or black stools
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Skin rash

Also let your doctor know if recovery seems slower than expected. Follow all post-procedure instructions carefully.

Adjusting Medications

As you resume normal eating, you may need to change dosing of medications like:

• Oral diabetes medications or insulin
• Blood thinners or other supplements

Discuss required medication adjustments with your healthcare provider. Monitor blood sugar closely and treat lows or highs appropriately.

With the right preparation and recovery plan, people with diabetes can safely undergo colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening and other gastrointestinal health needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.