[Bobcat]

John ... make very sure everyone on the surgical team knows you have diabetes .... don`t assume they do . It affects what they do on all procedures .... and try to get your procedure scheduled for early in the morning . I have had several joint replacements ( airports are lots of fun ) and had my surgery bumped out once when I was already in pre op so someone who had diabetes could go first as their blood sugar was an issue . If you get everything under control , you won`t have any problems . My replacements were hips , but I know several people with the knee replacements and they are very pleased with the results .
I realize you have knee problems , but the PT folks at the hospital told me that the better the shape I was in before surgery , the shorter and easier the recovery ... and they recommended swimming for me . You might check with the folks who will be doing your post operative PT and your Doctor ... which it sounds like you already have .
Good Luck !!!

Bob