What is the first action required for patients with well-controlled diabetes mellitus before a short-term procedure?

For patients with well-controlled diabetes mellitus, the first action required before a short-term procedure is to check the fasting blood glucose on the morning of the procedure. This is crucial because it allows the healthcare team to assess the patient’s current metabolic state and ensure that blood glucose levels are within an acceptable range before any intervention.

Knowing the fasting blood glucose is essential to prevent complications related to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia during and after the procedure. If glucose levels are too high or too low, appropriate interventions can be made, such as adjusting medications or providing intravenous fluids, to stabilize the patient before anesthesia or the procedure is commenced.

Monitoring blood glucose is particularly important in a procedural setting, where stress, anesthesia, and fasting may impact a patient’s glucose levels. This first step provides a foundation for managing the patient's diabetes effectively throughout the perioperative period and minimizes the risk of adverse outcomes.