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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Blackouts In A Diabetic Patient?

husband 77. f fairly healthy, overweight diabetic, little high bp, heart,lungs good. he is starting to fall . does not sleep well. stand at counter, falls instantly. does not feel anything. like he goes to sleep and down. has fell out of bed, has fell out of lazy body chair. started 5-6 months ago
posted on Thu, 22 Dec 2016
Twitter Wed, 4 Jan 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 4 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Short answer: This could be form of stroke.

Elaboration: Diabetes affects blood vessels (particularly small) of all organs including brain. As you said he is hypertensive too, that adds extra risk for stroke. As per your description, I feel he had episode of mini stroke (called transient ischemic attack) which may last from few minutes to 24 hours. Patient then regains consciousness. Often such form of stroke is not visible on ct scan or MRI.

I suggest you following measures for long term:

1) continue antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel as advised by your physician)

2) control BP and sugar within range

3) make sure that his cholesterol and triglycerides are within normal, and continue statins to keep cholesterol within limit.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Manoj Hogale
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What Causes Sudden Blackouts In A Diabetic Patient?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Short answer: This could be form of stroke. Elaboration: Diabetes affects blood vessels (particularly small) of all organs including brain. As you said he is hypertensive too, that adds extra risk for stroke. As per your description, I feel he had episode of mini stroke (called transient ischemic attack) which may last from few minutes to 24 hours. Patient then regains consciousness. Often such form of stroke is not visible on ct scan or MRI. I suggest you following measures for long term: 1) continue antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel as advised by your physician) 2) control BP and sugar within range 3) make sure that his cholesterol and triglycerides are within normal, and continue statins to keep cholesterol within limit. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Manoj Hogale