uncontrolled diabetes

[ceri_james]

Please help... my friend is basically dieing.She was diagnosed with type 1 and 11 diabetes a year ago.  Since then she has been put on long lasting and fast acting insulin in massive doses but they do not keep her blood sugars down.  She is constantly in ketoacidosis and has been admitted to AMU at least 6 times, only just escaping death each time.  She is half the body weight she was a year ago and for a 45 year woman of 5feet tall she now weights just over 6 stone.  The consultant has accused her of not taking her medication but I can account for the fact that she has .... religiously!!! Does anyone have any ideas?

[diabetes86]

Does she check her numbers (BG) throughout the day and adjust her insulin based on the numbers?

What do you call "massive doses "?

[ceri_james]

sorry.... do you think she could have Glucagonoma?

[Cathleen Zoretic, RN]

Thanks for using the forum.

Does your friend check her blood glucose throughout the day? How are her numbers?  If she has made the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes and is taking her insulin, she should be able to get her levels under control. If they are still out of control, then I would think a change of medication would be necessary.
If she has not made dietary or lifestyle changes, and is relying on medication alone, she is going to continue to struggle. Her doctor would be a good resource for the changes that need to be made. Another resource for dietary changes would be a consultation with a dietician. The dietician could look at her current diet and exercise routine and suggest the necessary changes to maintain a health blood sugar and stabilize her weight.
I hope this helps.

Cathy