Diabetes Seizure

My 30 year old son has had type 1 diabetes since the age of 17.  He has had three episodes with high sugar levels from infections and each time has been hospitalized and put in ICU.  This week something different happened.  He woke up from a nap and his blood sugar was low.  When he went to the kitchen for juice, he let out a scream and collapsed and began to have a seizure.  The paramedics came and we got his blood sugar up with orange juice mixed with sugar and an IV, he spent 6 hours in the emergency room.  My questions are #1 did he have any pain when he screamed out?  He doesn't remember anything and even though I think I handled the situation, I was terrified.  #2 How can we avoid this from ever happening again?  

[marci65]

My 15 yo DS had a seizure this weekend.  The first we've experienced in almost 9 years since dx.  He, too, had paramedics come to our house and take him to ER; he had to be admitted overnight for observation.  We didn't hear anything when our DS had his seizure; he may have made sounds, but we did not hear them.  After the seizure, he complained of excrutiating head pain over and over -- that's one of the only coherent things he could say "My head hurts!".  DS also had memory loss.  Can't remember what happened even hours before he went to bed (we know it happened while he was sleeping).  The only way we know that we can avoid this happening again is more frequent b.g. checking during the day and especially at night.  Also, making sure basal and bolus/meal doses are appropriate so he doesn't have to fight lows so often (adding to the possibility of long-term hypo unawareness).

Sorry you went through that.  :(

[drewsy55]

Thanks, my son went to the doctor yesterday and found out that his insulin pod was set too high.  We will all make sure that he eats small snacks throughout the day and keep his glucose levels more even.

My son also had terrible head pain during his episode.  He would ask for pain medication over and over and couldn't remember that he had just asked for it less than two minutes before.  He remembers NOTHING of the whole ordeal.

[marci65]

"He remembers NOTHING of the whole ordeal. "

I really think this is a blessing in disguise, at least in our case it is.

[pam76]

I have been diabetic since age 4, and now it has been 46 years.  I have had seisures a few times, mostly when I was pregnant, because the baby was using all the sugar.  Anyway, I can assure you, your son felt no pain.  I have screemd, fought with people who love me, cursed out nurses in the hospital thinking they were goingto hurt the baby,but when the sugar level gets low, you may not be able to control yourself.  The most important thing to remember, is check your sugar level.  If you are excercising, some diabetics' sugar level will bottom out, others will go up initially, begore lowering; you need to know your body.  Keeping a log is helpful.  You can see a trend in your levels so you know when you are low or high.
I went on an insulin pump.  This also helped keep me more regulated.
Best of luck!

[drewsy55]

Thank you!  It is comforting to know that he probably felt no pain.  He has been on a pump "Pod" and since wearing it says he feels better than he has in 10 years.

[LadyDee925]

I got Type 1 diabetes at the age of 3.   I am now 39.     I can tell you that he may remember going to the kitchen, if that.    But, many times when blood sugar levels will go that low - you do not remember things.     I have swore at my parents,  I have swung my arms and knocked a glass of juice out of my Mom's hands.   But, please, remember these are not intentional acts and when I found out how I acted I was embarassed.   I would never ever treat a loved one like that.     As far as the headaches go.   Yes, very common.   When bloodsugar levels go so low, you get less oxygen to brain and it infact will give you headaches as bloodsugar levels return to normal.  

This is all off of my own personal experience.    

[drewsy55]

Isn't it crazy how low blood sugar can totally change your personality?  My son was also apologetic and embarrased about his behavior.  He usually is a sweet, kind and happy young man; but, he turned into a monster when the paramedics came to the rescue!