Whenever we go to the hospital, we’re pretty concerned with our illness or condition. The last thing we’re thinking about is the I.V. But what is in the hospital I.V? It looks just like water, but is it?
Well it is water…………sugar water that is. Most hospital I.V’s contain either glucose or dextrose with some vitamins to keep energy levels up. For people on a low carb diet, this isn’t good. With little food and mostly sugar being pumped into your your body, (depending on how long you’re there) you’ll surely be knocked out of ketosis and have a spike in blood sugar. Of course this depends how long you’re in the hospital for. If it’s a small administration, then there’s really nothing to worry about. If you’re there for an extended period of time, you may want to consider an alternative.
Talk to your doctor and explain your situation. Most doctors will hear you out and work with you. Be polite and let them know how important maintaining your diet and a stable blood sugar is to you. Before being submitted to the hospital, you can prepare a note with your dietary preference and submit it to the nurse or front desk upon admission.
You can ask for saline or Ringer’s Lactate which are common alternatives to a glucose or dextrose solution. Make sure for long visits to leave a note on the table by the I.V. drop saying you are receiving alternative drip. If you don’t, by default, you’ll get a sugar drip.
Some I.V. may have medicine in it for whatever condition you are hospitalized for. In this case, there is no way around the glucose or dextrose if they are a necessary for delivering the medicine. Remember that your condition comes first. It won’t take long to get back into ketosis or a similar low carb life style after leaving the hospital. Stay safe and Stay healthy!
Well said. Great work!