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Suggest Treatment For High Blood Sugar Levels And Dizziness

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Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Question: what do I do for a diabetic type2 who is flushed dizzy and has a high sugar level has been tired all weekend
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sounds like Uncontrolled Diabetes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX, Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic. I'm glad you've given him some yogurt and some sugars in the fruit. That should make sure that we are not dealing with a hypoglycemia situation (low blood sugar). That buys us time.

Now we need to determine what his blood sugar is right now. You say his sugars are high, how do you know? Do you have a blood glucometer? If so, when were his sugars last checked and what was the number?

If his sugars are too high, that tends to alter the chemistry of the blood and cause shortness of breath and confusion. Its called Diabetic KetoAcidosis (DKA). That is actually something that needs treatment in the ER.

So the number is important and his current symptoms are important. If he is short of breath, or excessively fatigued or confused. Then he needs to be in the hospital. If his sugars are high, but not that high, then you need to check them regularly and make sure he takes his meds on time. Try and get an appointment for him to see his diabetologist as soon as he can (on an urgent basis).

Make sense? Let me know shat his numbers look like as soon as you can.

Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (18 minutes later)
His sugar was 172 this morning. Yes he has meter. He takes a reading in the morning and at night. He takes pills in the morning and insulin (Lantus SoloStar) 20 units at bedtime. He is not short on breath but totally listless. Has been sleeping all morning. His reading last night was 224.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Trending in the right direction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Those numbers are pretty high, but i tend not to think that they are in the range of DKA.

I would let him rest, drink plenty of water and check his sugar every couple of hours. if they trend back to normal as he takes his normal meds, his energy levels should return to normal. If they stay high or his symptoms don't get better over the next 6 hours (3 sugar readings). Then he needs to be taken to the ER.

I hope that's a good plan for you,

Vin
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For High Blood Sugar Levels And Dizziness

Brief Answer: Sounds like Uncontrolled Diabetes. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX, Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic. I'm glad you've given him some yogurt and some sugars in the fruit. That should make sure that we are not dealing with a hypoglycemia situation (low blood sugar). That buys us time. Now we need to determine what his blood sugar is right now. You say his sugars are high, how do you know? Do you have a blood glucometer? If so, when were his sugars last checked and what was the number? If his sugars are too high, that tends to alter the chemistry of the blood and cause shortness of breath and confusion. Its called Diabetic KetoAcidosis (DKA). That is actually something that needs treatment in the ER. So the number is important and his current symptoms are important. If he is short of breath, or excessively fatigued or confused. Then he needs to be in the hospital. If his sugars are high, but not that high, then you need to check them regularly and make sure he takes his meds on time. Try and get an appointment for him to see his diabetologist as soon as he can (on an urgent basis). Make sense? Let me know shat his numbers look like as soon as you can. Vinay