Diabetic complications?

[abilicious]

My neighbour has had Type 1 diabetes for 15 years. She says it was caused by thyroid problems which were diagnosed at the same time, at which time she also had a heart attack. She is 48 years old. She had a hysterectomy about 4 years ago because she 'had problems'. I have not known her well for very long, but I have noticed that she is quite masculine looking, ie no boobs AT ALL, she is very hairy and has a very deep voice. She has told people that she was born with loads of male hormones.

Lots to take in, I know, but bear with me ... She has recently changed her insulin regime, because her blood sugar levels became very unstable, ie 35+ down to 2 within 5 hours, and then back again just as quickly. She has not stabilised, but is now also experiencing episodes of dizziness, muscle weakness, cramps and severe fatigue, coupled with sweating in the extreme, not accompanied by feeling hot. She has been started on HRT, but has seen no relief from the symptoms.

My thoughts are ... PCOS undiagnosed, triggering diabetes, and adrenal fatigue. Am I way off beam? I have mentioned seeing an endocrinologist to her, but it is a struggle to see her diabetes consultant, let alone any other specialist.

[Sqad]

abi......I cannot fault your diagnosis of PCOS

But.....why adrenal fatigue?

[abilicious]

Because of the fatigue, sweating and general weakness. This situation has been going on for several months, and she has had bad hypos for as long as 18 months. My understanding of adrenal fatigue is that is can be brought on gradually by continual stress on the body.

[Sqad]

abilicus,,,,,that is not my understanding of adrenal fatigue.....the medical term being adrenal insufficiency.....Google it and it will give you the causes.

Fatigue, sweating and muscular weakness would go nicely with uncontrolled diabetes which is very common with PCOS

[abilicious]

I genuflect to your wisdom and experience. What, then, should she be doing to stabilise her sugars? At 6.00 am today it was 16, and she has already had a hypo (1.30 this afternoon). She is currently on Apidra 8, 8, 6 and then 16 units of Lantus at 10.30pm. She eats regularly and well, but the extremes are beyond a joke and taking their toll. She has minor retinopathy, but this will deteriorate if she isn't stabilised soon. Would really appreciate your input.

[Sqad]

abi....this needs looking into by her Endocrinologist, it would be inappropriate to go into this on a forum as it is indeed complicated.

Ten out of ten for your diagnosis though ;-)

[abilicious]

sqad, I really was being serious about respecting your wisdom.

[Sqad]

abi....thanks for the compliment, but it could be due to many factors.........

alcoholic beverages
meals or snacks that are too small, delayed, or skipped
increased physical activity

or even other tablets that she is he really needs to see her Endocrinologist.

[Jemisa]

I'm a diabetic and have been for 30 years and abilicious you're to be commended for caring about your friend so much. I've read and taken on board everything said here answers too and I have come to the conclusion your friend is suffering from self-neglect and denial. Most surgeries have a diabetic nurse in attendance who will put her on the straight and narrow. (If she wants to be) Self help and self worth are the things that are missing here.She has to remember she is a diabetic and therefore must live the life of a diabetic. Once I got that into my head when I was diagnosed I've had a good life but because of meee and not relying on others, although well meaning they are.
Sorry to be blunt but thats how I learnt my lesson. Good Luck.
Aunty Jem.