Dizziness

[jamilee]

Was wondering if a routine CBC will show if I have diabetes. My mother and maternal grandmother both had adult onset and started with pills, which progressed to insulin. For last 10 months, I've had strange changes in vision which are constant. Vision is shaky and vibrating kind of. Sometimes worse than others, but always slightly off. Have had an MRI of brain, all OK Yesterday, 3 times-2 1/2 hours apart, I have been overcome with extreme dizziness. I am a college professor and was in class two of the times, and driving home on the Interstate the last time. It seemed the room was spinning. Thought I was going to pass out, but held on to desk. Then, on Interstate, could ardly stay in my lane. Expected to crash as couldn't stay in lane and tried to exit. I did and pulled off, and like the two previous times, it only lasted 1 minute max. Then, I was OK. The first time, thought it was because needed food (had eaten 5 hrs. earlier), but second time was 2 hours after lunch and third time was just after eating a Snickers bar. Probably not diabetes, but can you help?

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

"cd" is right.

What you describe could be from low blood sugar ... it's good to talk with your doctor.  Since you have diabetes in the family, if your mother is alive and also nearby, perhaps you can do some random finger-stick blood tests, too.  She should have the test supplies at home (and if she doesn't, just badger her to get & use 'em!).

Also have your doc check your blood pressure, or get yourself a home BP cuff, or use one at the student health center from time to time.  That dizziness/lightheadedness can be BP related.

If those episodes are not predictable, I'd encourage you to consider not driving or operating anything else dangerous 'til you can know what's causing those.  You could be a danger to yourself or others.

As a note of encouragement, however, I've had diabetes (Type 1) for over 30 years and am also a college professor.  I test before class time and sometimes even bring my test stuff with me if I'm concerned.  I almost always have either hardcandy or juice box (both are better than chocolates for treating lows, BTW) with me, too.  Sometimes I need 'em; most times I don't.

Good luck ... I hope you'll check back ...

[jamilee]

Thank you so much. I will tell my doctor to test me.

[JDRF-Team-cd]

To diagnose diabetes a glucose test needs to be performed which a laboratory can provide.  A fasting blood glucose over 126 mg/dl or a random blood glucose over 200 mg/dl would be considered diabetes. Vision changes and are a symptom of high blood sugar and with your family history, I would suggest having a glucose test done.  Other symptoms of Type 2 diabetes (some similar to Type 1) would be extreme thirst and hunger, hard to heal wounds, weight loss, frequent urination, blurred vision, tingling and numbness and itchy skin.  A CBC test will show the maturity and count of red and white blood cells but is not the tool used to diagnose diabetes.