BOWEL PREPARATION FOR COLONOSCOPY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE STAFF

Abstract

Colonoscopy remains a fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in gastroenterology, serving as an invasive method for detecting and removing precancerous lesions of the colon, including adenomas. The effectiveness of colonoscopy is closely linked to the adequacy of bowel preparation, which is essential for optimal visualization of the mucosa, as evaluated by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. High-risk groups, such as patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), are particularly susceptible to inadequate bowel preparation due to motility disorders, autonomic neuropathy, and the effects of glucose-lowering medications.
Despite the rising global prevalence of both T2DM and colorectal cancer, clinical guidelines remain limited and nonspecific for diabetics. To ensure the best bowel preparation for colonoscopy, the staff of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology and the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Clinic of Internal Medicine of the Split Clinical Hospital Centre, in collaboration with nutrition experts from the Department of Dietetics, have developed concise practical instructions for bowel preparation in diabetic patients. These guidelines aim to improve Boston Bowel Preparation Scale scores and facilitate the work of
healthcare professionals, ultimately benefiting patients.