Preparing my diabetic patient for F-18 FDG PET/CT study

Special instructions for diabetic patients:

It is very important that the patient’s blood sugar is well controlled prior to the study. Following a balanced diet for a few days before the study will assist in ensuring that thier blood sugar level is within normal (or near-normal) levels on the day of the study.

If the blood sugar is higher than 10 mmol/l on the day of the study, the study will have to be cancelled.

 

Type I Diabetes/Insulin-dependent diabetics:

  • The study will usually be booked during late morning.
  • Patients should have a small breakfast no later than 06h00 and then take their insulin. The injection will be scheduled 6-hours after the insulin injection. Patients should not use rapid acting insulin for 4 hours before and short-acting insulin for 6 hours before the study time.
  • After this they may only have plain, unflavoured water.

Type II Diabetes/patients on oral diabetic medication only:

  • The study will usually be booked during late morning.
  • The patient may have a small breakfast and take their diabetic medication at 05h00. The study will be scheduled 6-hours after their meal.
  • After this the patient may only have plain, unflavoured water.

The above is only needed for F-18 FDG PET/CT study, there are no special preparations for diabetic patients coming for Ga-68/F-18 PSMA, Ga-68 DOTA or F-18 FDOPA PET/CT study