i am a fairly newly disagnosed diabetic - been on tablets since last May. A friend has told me that as diabetics have a lowered immune system and are therefore more prone to infection, they should always have preventative antibiotics before any surgical procedure even minor ones. As I am due to have a minor procedure on my big toe I want to know if this is true. Does anyone know?
Gill,
Usually only people with long standing or uncontrolled diabetes will have derranged immunity. But you have been diagnosed only recently. So very unlikely to have comparamised immunity.
Its always better to have pre-op shot of antibiotic followed by a short couse of the same per oral..
I guess you are not a doctor in the UK.GPs in England do not routinely give antibiotics unless there is a proven bacterial infection or proven impaired immunity. According to my GP Overuse of antibiotics without good reason means they lose their effectiveness when they're really needed
I'm diabetic and just have gone through major surgery on my foot. I was given two antibiotic preventative injections after the operation. This is decided by your surgeon. I am in UK. There are occasions when antibiotics are still used if it is felt to be necessary to prevent serious wound infection (In hospital you are at greater risk). If you need any your surgeon will prescribe them. Talk to him about it if you are worried.