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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness, Loss Of Balance And Fatigue In A Diabetic
Question: My 64 year old husband is experiencing dizziness, loss of balance, claminess and general malaize. He is prescribed Metforman for diabetes type II and has a history of dizziness when he lays down doing something like working on a car, etc. He thinks it is an ear related situation. Should he seek medical attention?
Brief Answer:
He should.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe are not specific, meaning they can have different causes.
Inner ear issues may be a cause. They are very common and should always be considered especially if the dizziness is affected by changing head position.
Other causes must be considered as well though. In a diabetic patient metabolic changes must be considered. These can include not only high blood glucose but low glucose (hypoglycemia) as well, especially this last one in someone taking medication. Many other metabolic changes like altered liver or kidney function, electrolytes etc may manifest also with dizziness.
A stroke is another cause to be considered although if he has no headache or focal neurological symptoms (like changes in speech, vision, weakness or numbness of the limbs etc) it's unlikely.
Other alternatives may include viral infections, anemia, low blood pressure etc.
So since the causes can be several and some tests may be necessary to differentiate between them, I do think that a medical evaluation is necessary.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
He should.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe are not specific, meaning they can have different causes.
Inner ear issues may be a cause. They are very common and should always be considered especially if the dizziness is affected by changing head position.
Other causes must be considered as well though. In a diabetic patient metabolic changes must be considered. These can include not only high blood glucose but low glucose (hypoglycemia) as well, especially this last one in someone taking medication. Many other metabolic changes like altered liver or kidney function, electrolytes etc may manifest also with dizziness.
A stroke is another cause to be considered although if he has no headache or focal neurological symptoms (like changes in speech, vision, weakness or numbness of the limbs etc) it's unlikely.
Other alternatives may include viral infections, anemia, low blood pressure etc.
So since the causes can be several and some tests may be necessary to differentiate between them, I do think that a medical evaluation is necessary.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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