Diabetes
We are providing this information to you to serve as a guide through your pre- and post-op process. Your particular journey may involve many or none of these steps. At UNOVA Hip & Knee Center, we strive to personalize each patient experience, we understand that every patient we encounter is an individual with unique concerns. This content is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition, those decisions should only be made after consultation with your treating surgeon and primary care physician.
At UNOVA Hip & Knee Center, although we believe every patient is unique, there are a few HARD STOP RULES that we must abide by before we can undertake your surgery. These rules exist to ensure your safety and to give us the best opportunity to help you achieve your desired outcome with the lowest possible chance of encountering a complication. THE PARAMETERS LINKED TO HARD STOPS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE.
There are a few general health issues and medical conditions that give us greater concern and as such these must be dealt with prior to your being scheduled for surgery.
Poorly controlled diabetes has been linked to a significantly increased probability of complications in the post-op period. Uncontrolled diabetes has been linked to poor tissue healing and immune system suppression. This can increase the likelihood of infections and other adverse events in the post-operative recovery phase of your surgery.
Your diabetes must be well controlled prior to surgery. The team will monitor certain blood parameters to track your diabetes control. The most common of these parameters are the Hgb A1c (Hemoglobin A1C, a diagnostic test that measures your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months) and the fructosamine level. Your Hgb A1c must be equal to or less than 8.0 to proceed with your surgery. If your Hgb A1c is greater than 8.0 your surgery will be rescheduled until your Hgb A1c is at or below 8.0. AN ELEVATED HGB A1C IS A HARD STOP!!