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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Has Dry Mouth, Losing Weight, Fatigued And Chest Infection. Could It Be Diabetes?

Hi

My father has had blood tests, CT scan and Chest X-rays along with check for bowel cancer etc. He has a dry mouth, is losing weight rapidly and is fatigued, confused - this appeared to start off as a chest infection with no response to antibiotics. Can they possibly have missed diabetes in this list of checks? My mother-in-law displayed similar symptoms before she was diagnosed. What should I ask the GP to check to ensure this is not diabetes?

Thank you
Fri, 7 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Diabetes can present with weight loss, fatigue and confusion. Other possible symptoms would be increased appetite, increased fluid intake, urinary frequency.

Diabetes is diagnosed by: (1) a fasting blood sugar test- if greater than 7mmol/l or 126 mg/dl

(2) 2 hr post blood sugar of greater than 200mg/dl or 11.1 mmol/l. This blood test is done 2 hours after the persons takes a special drink given by the lab or doctor

(3) HbA1c greater than 6.5%

I hope this helps
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Has Dry Mouth, Losing Weight, Fatigued And Chest Infection. Could It Be Diabetes?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Diabetes can present with weight loss, fatigue and confusion. Other possible symptoms would be increased appetite, increased fluid intake, urinary frequency. Diabetes is diagnosed by: (1) a fasting blood sugar test- if greater than 7mmol/l or 126 mg/dl (2) 2 hr post blood sugar of greater than 200mg/dl or 11.1 mmol/l. This blood test is done 2 hours after the persons takes a special drink given by the lab or doctor (3) HbA1c greater than 6.5% I hope this helps