Pre-op fasting guidelines

Question 1

Fasting Guidelines for Surgical Patients

Answer 1

• Eating: Patients should fast for at least 6 hours before elective surgery.
• Drinking: Patients may have clear fluids (such as water, diluted squash, or non-fizzy see-through drinks) up to 2 hours before surgery

Question 2

Fasting Guidance for Diabetic Patients

Answer 2

• Minimise Fasting: Diabetic patients should be scheduled early on the operating list to reduce fasting duration
• Blood Glucose Monitoring: at least hourly if on insulin, or every two hours if not