Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Type 2 Diabetic, Fainted. Was Taking Prednisone For Swelling In Knees. Blood Sugar High. Cause For Fainting?

My 82 year old father who is Type 2 diabetic, but non- insulin dependent, fainted outside yesterday, mid day, after gardening. He doesn t remember anything. He was recently put on prednisone for sore/ swelling in the knees. His blood sugar that night, after eating, was 400. this morning it was back down to normal (for him), about 150. What may have caused the fainting?
posted on Mon, 11 Jun 2012
Twitter Mon, 11 Jun 2012 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 24 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello there,

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause fainting attacks. In his case , it is possible that he could have had a hyperglycemic attack as he is also on prednisone(steroid) and steroids are known to cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

How is your father's Blood pressure? Is he hypertensive? If yes,high BP could be another cause of fainting.Low BP/Postural hypotension can also cause fainting.
Cardiac conditions can also cause fainting.

Or it could be a vasovagal syncope which happens while standing for prolonged period under the hot sun.

Most likely, cause is hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels ) as his blood sugar levels were 400 at the time.

Please consult his physician as his medication dosage may have to be adjusted and he needs a throrough cardiac evaluation .

Hope I have answered your question.

Have a nice day :)

Regards,

Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Diabetes


Loading Online Doctors....
Type 2 Diabetic, Fainted. Was Taking Prednisone For Swelling In Knees. Blood Sugar High. Cause For Fainting?

Hello there, Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause fainting attacks. In his case , it is possible that he could have had a hyperglycemic attack as he is also on prednisone(steroid) and steroids are known to cause an increase in blood sugar levels. How is your father s Blood pressure? Is he hypertensive? If yes,high BP could be another cause of fainting.Low BP/Postural hypotension can also cause fainting. Cardiac conditions can also cause fainting. Or it could be a vasovagal syncope which happens while standing for prolonged period under the hot sun. Most likely, cause is hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels ) as his blood sugar levels were 400 at the time. Please consult his physician as his medication dosage may have to be adjusted and he needs a throrough cardiac evaluation . Hope I have answered your question. Have a nice day :) Regards, Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan