Will abdominal liposuction affect insulin absorption from my insulin pump?

The idea of a hypoglycemic coma while in a recovery house in a foreign country frightens the daylights out of me.This has come up numerous times in my practice. We typically request patients change the insulin site to an area that has not been treated.Typically, the patient's internist or endocrinologist is on board.At times, patients will be converted to insulin shots in the early recovery phase.Considering the potential outcome of an overdose of insulin, this is not to be played with lightly.Unfortunately, there is no good published data on when it is appropriate to go back to using the insulin pump on areas previously treated, at least not that I'm aware.A team effort is probably best advised.Your plastic surgeon should also be addressing this issue regardless of geographic location.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.