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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Abdominal Pain And Elevated Heart Rate In A Diabetic

My friend is a diabetic. Over the past 3 days when checking his sugar it hasn't gone under 350. He is at 546 right now and he has been tired and falls asleep instantly, his heart rate is accelerated and he has had abdominal pain for the past 2 days. He has no appetite. I don't know what to do. I am scared. He has a headache. Please tell me what I need to do. He took his medicine about 30 minutes ago.
Wed, 30 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Short answer: Get him to the emergency department right away.

Long answer:
Hi there,

He sounds like he has gone into diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, which is a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Even at 350 mg/dL, his sugars were extremely high and he should have gotten help then. His elevated heart rate and abdominal pain are signs of DKA and shows that he is extremely dehydrated and in grave danger.

This is not the time to treat him with oral medication. He needs intravenous fluids and insulin. Get him to the hospital stat, and if you don't have the means, call an ambulance now.

Hope this helps, and all the best to you and your friend.

Regards,
Dr. Teh
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Suggest Remedies For Abdominal Pain And Elevated Heart Rate In A Diabetic

Short answer: Get him to the emergency department right away. Long answer: Hi there, He sounds like he has gone into diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, which is a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Even at 350 mg/dL, his sugars were extremely high and he should have gotten help then. His elevated heart rate and abdominal pain are signs of DKA and shows that he is extremely dehydrated and in grave danger. This is not the time to treat him with oral medication. He needs intravenous fluids and insulin. Get him to the hospital stat, and if you don t have the means, call an ambulance now. Hope this helps, and all the best to you and your friend. Regards, Dr. Teh