What preoperative advice should be given to a patient taking insulin before tooth extraction?

Maintaining a normal diet before tooth extraction for a patient taking insulin is crucial for several reasons. Insulin is a medication used to control blood glucose levels, and most patients with diabetes are advised to maintain consistent food intake that corresponds with their insulin regimen. An adequate carbohydrate intake helps to prevent hypoglycemia, which is a potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.

When patients are instructed to maintain their normal diet, it means they should consume their usual meals and not skip or modify them significantly before the procedure, unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. This ensures that their blood sugar levels remain stable during the preoperative period. A stable glucose level is important for effective healing post-surgery and reduces the risk of complications during the extraction.

In contrast, the other options suggest actions that could lead to erratic blood sugar levels or are not directly relevant to the preoperative protocol for a patient on insulin. Taking more sugar could lead to hyperglycemia if not balanced by appropriate insulin doses. Taking antibiotics preemptively may be necessary for some patients, but it does not relate directly to the immediate management of insulin therapy before a dental procedure. Increasing medication preoperatively is generally not advised without specific guidance, as it could lead to an imbalance in blood sugar control