Brittle diabetes treatment is fully discussed in the Annals of Endocrinology published in Paris. Lille University Hospital’s Endocrinology and Metabolism Department reported this under the title Management Strategies for Brittle Diabetes.
With the advent of SMBG (self monitoring of blood glucose), the term brittle diabetes treatment is not often heard although we still know it as the roller coaster swings of the blood glucose level. Although now rare, the few with type 1 diabetes have to live with this condition.
That said, it is not the end of the world; it is just a challenge one has to meet. The key to achieving a blood glucose level to as normal target as possible without severe hypoglycemia is lifestyle. It is all about consistency in lifestyle, in carbohydrate intake, and insulin injections and exercise. If all the aforementioned are constant, chances are the blood sugar level will be stable.
While brittle diabetes and so its treatment is sometimes not attended to except for hypoglycemia, some people’s bodies have exaggerated reaction to food, exercise, insulin and stress no matter how consistent they are in their effort to stabilize the blood glucose level so let us do some detective work. Find out how the body reacts to any of the following:
- Insulin dose: Is the amount accurate? Too much at one time takes different quantity of time to work. Will the use of insulin pump help? This will solve the dosage challenge as it delivers the spread out over time.
- Site of injection: The most consistent rate of absorption is from the abdomen.
- Depth of injection: Does the injection target the same depth every time?
- Time of injection: Is the insulin given enough time to work before eating?
- Hypoglycemia: Recurring events of this could prevent the insulin from doing its work.
- Dehydration: Constant high blood glucose levels could drain the body of fluids and this in turn will make it hard for the insulin to go into tissues.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage affects food absorption, slows digestion and may lead to diarrhea.
It is wise to find a health care team that specializes in diabetes. Their years of experience will be a benefit to those who suffer from the erratic blood sugar readings. Their experience will show the way through all the factors to consider when dealing with brittle diabetes and its treatment.
As far as emergencies with this condition are concerned, they are insulin shock, coma from increased blood acids, and coma due to high blood sugar. If on insulin shock or hypoglycemia, give the person some sort of carbohydrate or sugar. If he becomes unconscious, seek medical help immediately.
If unsure whether one’s impaired condition is due to insulin shock or increased blood acids, give sugar by mouth. If within a few minutes there is no improvement, call for emergency medical help. If the person is impaired due to high blood sugar, seek emergency help. To prevent coma among the diabetics, make sure they drink lots of water and treat the early signs.