Very high blood sugar levels even while on insulin....Really Worried

by Steffie G
(Virginia USA)

CONCERN: Hello, I was diagnosed with diabetes and we are still searching for a care plan that works. My levels have never been under the mid 200's and are mostly in the high 300-high 400's (as high as 496 several times).

I have been put on 30 units of Lantis 1 x a day and 10 mg. of Novalog 3 times a day. I also take 2000 mg. of Metformin each day.

I have been sent to the hospital several times to try to reduce the glucose levels as well as for dehydration which is really taking its toll on me.

I have severe related issues like hair loss, severe fatigue, severe thirst, balance problems, blurry eyes, etc.

I am going to increase the Lantis to 36 units a day in about 5 days. At this point nothing seems to be working yet. I am very discouraged because I only eat sugar free foods and watch every single carb I eat. I am very worried about ketones and even worse problems.

I am wondering how dangerous levels in the 400's over a long period of time (months) is for me? I have a new Dr. that is really trying to help but I am losing faith each time I have to take a shot during the day.

My thighs (I can't take it anywhere else due to other health issues) are so bruised and tender and I have cried several times after taking the shots. I am sticking my finger at least 10 times a day which is also killing my fingers. They hurt even as I type this.

What are my odds of actually getting some hair growth back? I know it sounds vain but I am a 38 year old woman and this makes me VERY uneasy. Any help, words of advice ect. is most appreciated.

Thanks so much.


SUGGESTIONS: Hi Steffie,

First of all, I am really sorry for your condition. However, you should never surrender: Gamble all your strength and continue your long battle against diabetes.

In this battle, eating the right diabetic foods is not the only solution. Physical activity is also important. Simple exercises like walking at least 30 minutes per day; or any other relaxation exercise help you manage your condition.

Try to go out, and be close to nature: picnics, parks, beach, mountain. Physical activities if made near Nature, make you breath fresh air, and clean your body and feel fresh and rejuvenated.

And drink plenty of water, no other juices (at least until your blood sugar are stabilized).

If you have visited the Natural Cures for Diabetes page, and if you have type 2 diabetes, there are some herbs that really works to lower blood glucose levels.

I gave a mixture of these herbs to my late father, and he was enthusiastic that his blood sugar level was stabilized; although he used to "break" his diet sometimes due to his gluttony and ate the "forbidden" foods.

This was my father's experience; different diabetics have different experiences.

Thinking about the worst will cause you stress. Stress will raise your blood sugar levels. And here you are; closed in your own circle.

And if you're worried about your hair loss caused by diabetes; don't be. Think how beautiful and wonderful you're inside. That beauty will shine outside and you still remain a beautiful lady.

(And if you still feel uneasy about hair loss, just wear a scarf as you're defining your own mode, or wear a hairpiece till your problems will solved).

Remember: you're beautiful, because you're a human, you thing, feel, love, jump, swim. Think of how many people cannot jump or walk; how many children are injured from their parents mistakes.

You have the chance to live without all these problems. But, you're diagnosed with diabetes. Follow the diet strategy and good lifestyle habits and be close to your doctor, and you'll get your blood sugar coming down again.

Get a smile now and each time you get a shot, pray God it would be the last and pray you could be much more stronger.

All the best.

Dr.Alba

Comments for
Very high blood sugar levels even while on insulin....Really Worried

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Apr 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		what was the outcome??
by: HelenP

My husband is currently having the same issue. Having been diabetic now for 3 years all of a sudden his treatment plan isn't working. I was just curious as to what your doctor was able to do to help you.
Apr 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Other Alternatives to Insulin
by: Dr.Alba

Hi Steffie,

I would like to know if you have type 1 or 2 diabetes. You can ask your doctor to measure the insulin in your urine (before that you should not have insulin shots for at least 10 - 15 hours or all night long).

There are many patients who have been mistakenly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and put on insulin treatment, but after doing the insulin test (in urine), it came out they do not need insulin, but some other drugs and regimes.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, then, perhaps insulin is not the right treatment for you.

Because, in type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is producing insulin, but, perhaps, there are abnormalities in its secretion or insulin is not entering the body cells.

Therefore, you must enhance the sensitivity of insulin (through the above-mentioned lifestyle and diet changes), and, maybe you need some oral hypoglycemiants (drugs) such as Metformin, that help. Talk to your doctor if you need any changes in your treatment.

If you get our comments, could you please give your feedback and how you are doing now? Even Helen wants to know on your outcome as she is trying to help her husband.

By the way, all the best to both of you, Steffie and Helen's husband. Just one thing I want to remind you Helen: if your husband is following the above natural strategies and taking the prescribed drugs, his blood sugar will go down.

However, it might require time, depending on the severity of his condition, and the consistency of his doing (i.e.how consistent he is in following the right diabetic regimen).

I know you are trying hard, but sometimes, it is difficult for diabetics to see food and not to eat (especially when nobody is around) or they easily get tired of the restrictions. This is the time when you might help him with your patience and being close to him.
Apr 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Helen

Dr. Alba,

Thanks for your comments. My husbands doctor is really perplexed with the 9.1 A1C and high glucose as he is on oral and insulin injections. He has lost a significant amount of weight within the last month and is extremely fatigued lately. I don't know if his pancreas has stopped producing any insulin or worse. We are actively working with our doctor for answers but yes, it is very frustrating.
Apr 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Some Few Suggestions!
by: Dr.Alba

Hi Helen,

You are saying that your husband has a HA1C level of 9.1; why don't you record your husband blood sugar levels each time they are measured.

For example, write down his fasting blood sugar (upon waking up); the next measurement 30 minutes after eating; then, 2 hrs after eating and so on.

Sometimes, he might not feel very well; in that case, measure his blood sugar, write it down together with the problems he is having; so, you would know.

After putting in your log book; please provide to your doctor, so, it could be easier for your doctor to set the target or acceptable blood sugar levels for your husband. They can't necessarily be within the normal range (70-110 mg/dl or A1C less than 7%), but a bit higher depending on the records (perhaps 80-140mg/dl or A1C less than 8 or 8.5%) as long as your husband is not facing neither hypoglycemia or other symptoms for very very high blood sugar levels.

Your husband is feeling very tired, because he might be having oscillations of blood sugar (sometimes very high; then very low; then high again). If you record these oscillations, you would be able to overcome them.

One last thing, ask your husband to be very active; not to think he is ill because has diabetes. Activity will help him reduce insulin resistance (as he has type 2 diabetes since is taking oral drugs and insulin). Ask your husband not to abandon his normal activities due to diabetes.

And ask him to drink plenty of water (3 or more liter per day) to detox and remove all the waste from his body; so, it could be more easily for his body cells to utilize glucose and for insulin to function.

All the best!

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