Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Diabetes happens when your body cannot use sugar (called glucose) for energy properly. This is because your body does not have enough of a hormone called insulin.
Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas by special cells called beta cells. Insulin helps your body use glucose for energy and keeps your blood sugar at the right level.
There are different types of insulin. Your doctor will choose the type that is best for you.
Insulin can only be given by an injection (a small needle). At first, this might feel scary, but with help and practice, most people find it easy.
Insulin helps control your blood sugar all day and night. You may need more than one type of insulin to keep your blood sugar steady.
- Rapid-acting insulin
- This works quickly to control blood sugar after meals. It lasts about 3–5 hours.
- You might need extra doses with meals to keep your blood sugar in the safe range.
- This insulin looks clear.
- Intermediate or long-acting insulin
- This works slowly and lasts for many hours. It helps keep blood sugar steady between meals and overnight.
- You usually take this at bedtime (and sometimes in the morning).
- This insulin looks cloudy.
Your insulin dose may change over time. This is normal, so don’t worry if the amount goes up. Everyone is different, so don’t compare your dose to someone else’s.
- Rapid-acting insulin: Take just before eating. If you skip a meal, don’t take this insulin.
- Intermediate or long-acting insulin: Usually taken at bedtime. You don’t need to eat when you take this.
Correction Doses
If your blood sugar is high after a meal, your doctor may tell you to take an extra dose of rapid-acting insulin (such as Novorapid or Humalog).
Most people use an insulin pen to give their injection. The insulin goes into the soft layer of fat under your skin.
Steps to inject:
- take the lid off the pen.
- put on a new needle and take off both covers.
- turn the dial to 2 units, press the button, and check that insulin comes out.
- turn the dial to your dose.
- pinch the skin, put the needle in, and press the button.
- wait 10 seconds, then take the needle out.
- check the dial is back to zero.
- take off the used needle and put it in your sharps bin.
- put the lid back on your pen.
Where to Inject
- You can inject insulin into different places on your body (like your tummy, thigh, or upper arm).
- Change the spot each time so your skin stays healthy and the insulin works well.
- A little bleeding or bruising is normal and nothing to worry about.
Insulin Needles
- Use a new needle every time.
- Never throw needles or lancets in the bin. Put them in your sharps bin.
- You will need to ask your GP for more needles when you run out.
Storing Insulin
- Pens you are using: keep at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat.
- Spare pens: keep in the fridge, but not in the freezer part.
If you need insulin for more than 3 months or after your baby is born, you must tell:
- DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
- your car insurance company
Do not drive if you are having lots of low blood sugar episodes (hypos).
For more details, go to: Diabetes UK – Driving with diabetes
When you come to hospital, bring:
- your insulin
- blood sugar meter and test strips
- your hypo treatment (fast sugar)
Before labour starts, you will usually manage your diabetes yourself unless told otherwise. If your blood sugar is not in the target range, tell your midwife.
During labour or a caesarean, you may need two drips (IV lines):
- one with sugar (dextrose)
- one with insulin
- This is called a variable rate insulin infusion.
- If you have gestational diabetes, insulin will stop after the placenta is delivered.
Hypoglycaemia or a 'hypo' is when your blood sugar drops below 4.0 mmol/l.
You might feel:
- hungry
- dizzy or light-headed
- sweaty or irritable
- shaky or have a fast heartbeat
- tingling around your lips
Causes:
- missing meals or snacks
- being more active than usual
- taking too much insulin
- hot weather
Everyone’s symptoms can be different. If your blood sugar is below 4.0 mmol/l, treat it quickly.
What to Do
Step 1: Stop what you are doing.
Step 2: Take 15–20g of fast sugar (see table below).
Step 3: Wait 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Test again:
- If above 4 mmol/l or you feel better → Eat a snack (e.g., 2–3 biscuits or a piece of fruit).
- If still below 4 mmol/l → Repeat from Step 1.
Step 5: Test again in 1 hour.
If you don’t feel better, call 999.
| Product | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lift glucose chews | 5 chews |
| Dextrosol | 6 tablets |
| Lift glucose shot | 1 x 60ml |
| GlucoGel | 2 tubes |
| Jelly babies | 4 sweets |
| Fruit pastilles | 6 sweets |
| Starburst | 5 sweets |
| Skittles | 18g mini bag |
| Coca cola | 190ml |
Always carry fast sugar with you.
Questions
Write down any questions you have and bring them to your clinic visit. No question is too small, if it worries you, ask!
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/026
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.