Elderly alone insulin dependant father passes out no warning

[TaraAZ]

My 76 year old, live alone, father passes out frequently enough for me to have phoned paramedics; 1 time long distance - I'm in AZ, he's in Fl, and 2x in person during vacation.

He says he does not know when these episodes are coming on.

He takes two shots a day; 1 in a.m., and 1 in p.m..

Here are my questions:

1.  What are the consequences of passing out alone?

2.  At what blood-sugar level does coma, brain damage, death occur?


He seems to think (I do not know if it is from his own experience - he won't tell me) that, after a while of being "out" his body will recover naturally, he'll know what has happened and he'll eat something.

I was with him 3 weeks ago.  I found him passed out, his body was absolutely rigid, his breathing was deep and strong and his heart was pounding.  After phoning 911, I held him and in a short while his body relaxed, his breathing became more normal, and his heart stopped pounding.  I thought he was slowly passing away.  

Then the paramedics arrived.  His sugar was 20.  The paramedics administered a glucose I.V., and my Dad recovered instantly.  I fed him a big meal and we continued with our 4 day visit.  

I am very very worried about him.

Thank you for answering my questions.

[JDRF Team SGG]

I agree that your dad probably needs to be encouraged to test his glucose levels much more often than he used to since he is now taking insulin. It is not uncommon for an insulin-dependent person to test their glucose levels every 2-3 hours throughout the day. Doing this helps the patient see for real when glucose levels are rising or falling too low rather than this person having to rely on how he or she feels. It really may be the key to protecting your father. If he tests this often, he can probably catch lows before they get dangerous.

[JDRF-Team-JSB]

Tara - although I am not a medical professional I can help assist with your questions.  As always - it's best to consult a physician or diabetes specialist.

To answer question 1, the consequences of passing out alone are not favorable.  Some things that could happen are diabetic coma, the inability to contact 911 or administer glucose in some fashion.

To answer question 2, its really different for everyone.  Normal blood sugars should range between 70 and 120.  I do know that coma, brain dmg and death can occur when blood sugars go to low.  That number is different for everyone.

Here are some suggestions, always remember, dont guess, test.  Testing is the initial format for your father to know where is at.  Second, help your father find a good medical professional to assist with testing, fine tuning insulin intake.

Thanks for the question and I sincerely hope all goes well.

[gentgeen]

I'm not a doctor, just a voluanteer and a type 1 diabetic, so you and your father should talk to his doctor.

Having said that, if your dad is frequently having hypoglycemia he needs to let his primary care physician and his endochronoligist know. Good control prevents high and low blood sugar levels. He may be taking too much insulin, or not eating enough carbohydrates with his meals. If he's taking two shots a day, he's likely on a blend of long acting and short acting insulin, such as Novolin 70/30. There may be other insulin therapies available for him that will give him better control.

Talking with a a diabetes health educator may also be beneficial, so that he knows how much insulin to take with a particular meal. The next time you go visit him for a few days, try to have him schedule a medical appointment during your stay. Then you can go with him and let the doctor know about your anxiety.

John