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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Fatigue While Having Elevated Blood Sugar Levels?

I have a 74 year old male friend that is diabetic. He has been complaining about being extremely tired for over a month. His blood pressure is elevated 173/78 (on medication) His blood sugars have run 180 for three days in a row whether he eats much or not. He can sit and easily fall asleep. He is getting up 3-4 times a night to go to the bathroom which disturbs his sleep. He does use a sleep apnea machine and had prostrate cancer surgery almost 9 years ago. Any idea what this group of symptoms is perhaps pointing to?
Tue, 7 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

I am sorry for the health situation your friend is going through.

Let me recapitalize his case:
- 74 years old male
- diabetic with blood sugars running 180 for 3 days in a row
- hypertensive with high blood pressure 173/78
- prostate cancer surgery 9 years ago
- getting up 3-4 times/night to go to bathroom
- sleep with sleep apnea machine

I admit his case is very difficult as multiple health problems are running.
His blood sugar (bs) and blood pressure (bp) are very high. Means, need to change the dosage of the meds he is currently taking.

I need to know when was the last time he had the urological examination and ultrasound. We should evaluate the recent changes in his uro-genital tract.
Urine analysis is recommended to rule out related co-infection.

His frequent getting up during the night are due to increased blood sugar levels and possible underlying urine infection that should be further evaluated.

Being tired could be due to:
- disturbances of sleep during night because of night visits to the bathroom
- increased blood sugar and blood pressure
- possible electrolyte imbalance due to frequent urination (should check blood electrolytes).

So, it's time you send your friend to visit his urologist and endocrinologist for further specific assistance.

All the best.
Dr.Albana
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What Causes Severe Fatigue While Having Elevated Blood Sugar Levels?

Hi, I am sorry for the health situation your friend is going through. Let me recapitalize his case: - 74 years old male - diabetic with blood sugars running 180 for 3 days in a row - hypertensive with high blood pressure 173/78 - prostate cancer surgery 9 years ago - getting up 3-4 times/night to go to bathroom - sleep with sleep apnea machine I admit his case is very difficult as multiple health problems are running. His blood sugar (bs) and blood pressure (bp) are very high. Means, need to change the dosage of the meds he is currently taking. I need to know when was the last time he had the urological examination and ultrasound. We should evaluate the recent changes in his uro-genital tract. Urine analysis is recommended to rule out related co-infection. His frequent getting up during the night are due to increased blood sugar levels and possible underlying urine infection that should be further evaluated. Being tired could be due to: - disturbances of sleep during night because of night visits to the bathroom - increased blood sugar and blood pressure - possible electrolyte imbalance due to frequent urination (should check blood electrolytes). So, it s time you send your friend to visit his urologist and endocrinologist for further specific assistance. All the best. Dr.Albana