HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Severe Fatigue, Poor Appetite, Confusion And Excessive Thirst?

default
Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: My Mother, 79, Dx.Diabetes Type2 and dementia
Experiencing overwhelming fatigue, minimal appetite, confusion, drinks minute amounts of water.
MondayTests come back with creatinine level of 2.00mg/dl (glucose 245,blood urea27, co2 21.6 sodium 134,hemoglobin10.8 platelets 468, all other labs in standard range.
Dr. orders her OFF diabetes meds for 5 days (metformin, glipizide and losartan)
Friday retest creatinine drops only slightly, blood glucose around 600, so they want her to see a kidney specialist Nov. 23 and stay off diabetes meds, next Monday start on insulin.
I was under the impression that if the creatinine levels didn't normalize once off diabetic meds she would not need insulin.
She is NOT well, I do not want to wait, I feel that she should be brought to the emergency room and admitted so she can get stabilized faster, this seems like they don't care due to it being a weekend and nov 23 is far too long to wait for kidney Dr.
Are her numbers nothing to worry about or should i just bring her in?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

There would be no harm in taking her to the ER, though it is unlikely that they would do anything other than give her IV fluids and a bit of insulin to bring her glucose down. Her kidneys need to be monitored long term for ongoing damage related to diabetes; there is nothing that needs to be done urgently now. Her electrolytes are stable so it is unlikely they would admit her to the hospital. I would follow the advice of your doctor and follow their instructions which seem reasonable to me.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation and treatment recommendations, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Severe Fatigue, Poor Appetite, Confusion And Excessive Thirst?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. There would be no harm in taking her to the ER, though it is unlikely that they would do anything other than give her IV fluids and a bit of insulin to bring her glucose down. Her kidneys need to be monitored long term for ongoing damage related to diabetes; there is nothing that needs to be done urgently now. Her electrolytes are stable so it is unlikely they would admit her to the hospital. I would follow the advice of your doctor and follow their instructions which seem reasonable to me. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation and treatment recommendations, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers