Is Knee Replacement Surgery Safe for Diabetics

When knee pain makes it difficult for you to walk or climb stairs, knee replacement surgery can help you walk comfortably. However, this surgery like any other surgery has some risks that may be more pronounced if you also have diabetes.

Diabetes is an important issue to think about. Half of the people who have diabetes are also known to suffer from arthritis and most of them may eventually need to undergo knee replacement surgery.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your primary energy source is blood glucose, which is obtained from the food you eat. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which facilitates the entry of food-derived glucose into your cells for energy production. Your body doesn't produce insufficient or no insulin, or it uses insulin poorly.

Complications Related to Diabetic Patients

People who have diabetes are prone to a higher risk of post-surgical complications. These could include:

• Infection of the wound
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
• Stroke

Also, when diabetes in the individual is not well controlled it may lead to implant and joint loosening.

Is it Safe to Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery with Diabetes?

According to a research study, conducted on patients with both controlled and uncontrolled diabetes with knee replacement surgery. It was found that patients with well-controlled diabetes have better outcomes overall and were healthier after knee replacement surgery.

Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery in Diabetes

Type II diabetes is a result of obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet. So, the best management factor is to work on these.

• Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, as these foods will improve your immune function and ward off any infection before or after surgery. Also, it will help manage your blood sugar levels.
• Exercise is also an especially important factor, exercising regularly before and after surgery can control your blood sugar, boost overall health by improving your blood circulation, and post-surgery it help reduce swelling, and set yourself up for a faster recovery.
• Medical management before surgery is hugely important to prepare you and your body for surgery. Medical management of blood sugar levels and any other problems like renal impairment, and high blood pressure should be managed before the surgery to reduce complications.

Diabetes is an important consideration for people undergoing knee joint replacement surgery. Both the Doctors and patients need to be mindful when considering major surgery in diabetes.

Also Read: Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Delhi