Diabetes and Falling

[bergordon]

My 81 year old father has had diabetes for about 10 years. Not too bad - he was mostly on Glucotrol and only on a small dose of insulin for about 6 months. He started dialysis 6 months ago for renal failure. During the past year, he has fallen several times - probably 15-20 times during the last 2 months. Sometimes, he trips, but mostly he just stops walking and leans against something. Right before he falls, he starts jerking, seems to loose awareness of where he is, and then just collapses on the floor. This happens about 30 seconds after he stands up from a sitting position. They have run MRAs, Brain ultrasounds, Carotid Arteriagrams - results of about 50% blockage in the left artery, 10% in the right artery. Since starting dialysis, he has not had to take any glucotrol or insulin and his sugar level averages between 90 and 150. He fell last week and broke his ankle very badly, having to have pins put in. Dad also has CHF and has had two bypass surgerys. Doctors say this isn't caused by his heart. He also has emphysema. We haven't gotten a good diagnosis yet. Some doctors say it is attributable to his diabetes. Do you think this could be so? If so, have you got any ideas on how to treat it, or what we could do to keep him from loosing control and falling?  Thanks very much for your help! Billie

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a doctor, but a mom of a type 1 diabetic child, and daughter of a type 2.  It sounds like your dad could be having complications from the diabetes.  I would consult with his endocrinologists and other doctors to find the best way to care for your father.

I would check with the hospital and get an opinion from the head of the endocrinology department.

I know how hard it is to see this happen to your dad.  My mom has type 2 diabetes and has had 2 stokes, a heart attack, and a wound that would not heal (for years she had trouble controlling her diabetes.  My sister and I had to go as far as make the doctor appointments for my mom to get the correct treatment. (Make sure with the new HIPPA laws that you have it in writing from your dad that they can talk to you.)  Once you talk to the doctors come up with a plan that would best suit the care of your dad.

I hope that things get better, please check back with us any time.