Can I have knee arthroscopy if I have diabetes or I am overweight?

Why these conditions matter

Diabetes is common in Qatar, and many patients seeking knee surgery live with it. High blood sugar slows wound healing and makes infection more likely, while excess weight increases load on the knee, can make anaesthesia more complex and raises clot risk. None of this usually prevents a needed arthroscopy, but it shapes planning.

Preparing for surgery

• Bring your recent HbA1c and medicines list to the consultation
• Work with your diabetes doctor to improve control if it is poor; surgery may be deferred until it is safer
• Ask how to adjust tablets or insulin while fasting before the operation
• Stop smoking, which also slows healing
• Start strengthening exercises before surgery if you can

After the operation

Check blood sugar more often for the first days, since stress and reduced activity can raise it. Keep wounds clean and dry and look out for redness or discharge. Walk early and do ankle exercises to lower clot risk. People with diabetes, especially after Ramadan or a change in routine, should plan meals and medicines carefully around physiotherapy.

When the knee problem is linked to weight

In many people with high body weight, knee pain comes from early arthritis rather than a mechanical problem that arthroscopy can fix. Dr. Gelber at Aman Hospital in Doha reviews X-rays carefully, and where weight is a main driver, discusses gradual weight loss and strengthening as part of the plan, with or without surgery.