Does anyone have severely fluctuating blood sugar levels?

1. 78

   sallieannluvslifeposted 13 years ago

   Does anyone have severely fluctuating blood sugar levels?
   
   My sister has had diabetes her entire life, she is a special needs person, now 49 years old and her diabetes is fluctuating rapidly.  One morning her blood sugar will be 44 and the next it will be 504....has anyone ever had this problem.  Someone mentioned it may be her thalmus gland....

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2. 0

   Chris Hughposted 13 years ago

   She needs a good doctor. The Diabetes Solution by Bernstein might be good to read. Byetta is a miracle. Sounds like she needs a continuous glucose monitor. Good luck.

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   1. 78

      sallieannluvslifeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Chris!  I will check out Diabetes Solution.  We talked about an insulin pump but she is not able to regulate something like that on her own.  She has been in and out of the hospital and they don't seem to know what to do either.

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3. 60

   Yamabushikazeposted 13 years ago

   This is what as known as Brittle Diabetes. Many diabetics including myself (have had it 24 years now) find it harder to manage and control their blood sugars as they get older and times goes on.  There are actually a number of reason why this occurs. Complications begin to occur because of poor control or other immune  related issues.
     Other health problems can affect other systems in the body that affect how effective the medication and treatments of Diabetes will be. When I was 13 my immune system acted up again as it does with many Type one Diabetics and gave me Hypothyroidism. Diabetes will continue to give you complications that you must adjust for. It can affect your nervous system, rate of digestion and metabolism, vision, and you circulatory system. Ironically it is a problem in those areas that eventually leads to death for most diabetics.  Ask her Endocrinologist and Internist to check her white blood cell counts and other glands like the thalamus, adrenal and the thyroid glands. Also check her digestion for issue like gastroparesis.  Feel free to check out the ADA website and Juvenation.com  to get in touch with other diabetics like myself.

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   1. 60

      Yamabushikazeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Monitor her blood sugars at least every two hours and record them along with what she eats for two weeks to give your doctor a baseline of how her sugars are fluctuating so they can make the proper adjustments.

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   2. 78

      sallieannluvslifeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yamabushikaze-thank you so much for all your very helpful info.  I am forwarding both comments onto my parents (my sister has a 4th grade level of understanding) so that they can address your suggestions to her Dr.  I sincerely appreciate your advice

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4. 68

   nicediabetesposted 12 years ago

   I don't think there is ever a diabetic that doesn't experience blood sugar fluctuations in their lives.
   The real question to investigate is this a one off or an increasing pattern?
   If that is more the norm rather than exception a visit to the health professionals will be a good place to start.
   One important thing to remember, is you sister is probably doing the best she can to manager her diabetes so don't blame the person, blame the illness.

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   1. 78

      sallieannluvslifeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thankfully since I asked this question, her diabetes situation is much better.  She is in a new home where she is monitored around the clock by nurses and doctors and she is doing exceptionally well.  Thanks to all for your great comments!

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